Unlawful Killing of Darren Kearns-Blackhorse Avenue Dublin 7 on 30/12/15

The Gardaí at Cabra Garda Station are investigating the murder of thirty three year old Darren Kearns, fatally wounded in the car park of a public house on Blackhorse Avenue, Dublin 7 on Wednesday 30 December 2015.

Darren and his wife had decided to go for an early evening meal and left their home at Ashtown in Dublin at approximately 3.30pm. Darren drove his wife’s car, a two door white Fiat 500. They had tried a couple of restaurants in and around the area, but they were closed. Their journey took them along Collins Avenue, Drumcondra where they decided to turn around outside Dublin City University and drive to a restaurant at Finglas which was also closed.

They then went to a service station at Clearwater Shopping Centre in Finglas where Darren purchased petrol and after leaving decided to try a well-known Chinese restaurant next to Cumiskey’s Public House on Blackhouse Avenue. They arrived at approximately 4.45pm and after their meal left just after 5.30pm. As Darren’s wife drove towards the exit a light coloured green BMW M 5 Series entered the car park from the Baggot Road entrance and blocked their way. At this point Darren was fatally wounded as a result of being shot.

The BMW exited onto Baggot Road and then turned left onto Blackhorse Avenue. It then drove at speed to Regal Park, where it turned left before being abandoned and set alight.

A man left the same laneway and ran to a waiting car. This car had its lights off and turned right onto Blackhorse Avenue, travelling at speed. It then turned right onto Skreen road and entered the Navan road.

 Garda appeal:

• Do you remember seeing the couple and/or the white fiat 500 from the time they left their home at Ashtown until they arrived at the pub? It may be that you have not spoken to Gardaí but now feel better placed to do so?
• Where was the BMW between 28 October and 30 December 2015? Did you see it at any point at Cumiskeys or prior to its arrival? Did you see it at Regal Park being abandoned or the male suspect running to a waiting car? Can you assist the investigation with regard to the second car that was waiting there?
• Did you see the second car that left Regal Park at speed and drove without headlights, turning right from Blackhorse Avenue onto Skreen Road? Where did this car go after it turned onto the Navan Road?
• Gardaí believe that there are still people with information in the Cabra community who have never come forward; they appeal to those people to do so now. 

Description of suspect car:

• BMW M 5 series 4 door
• Light green,
• Registration number 04D35151.
• Car purchased on the 28 October 2015 using false details. 

Cabra Garda Station investigating, tel: 01-6667400