The chief suspect for the murder of Annie Heyneman in Co Cavan was being questioned by detectives on Monday evening after his interviews were suspended for a time to allow him to undergo medical treatment.
The victim’s husband, Henk Heyneman, a Dutch national and long-term resident of the State, was seriously injured in the same attack.
Gardaí investigating the fatal stabbing in the family’s home in Kilnavert, some 7km outside Ballyconnell, at around 9.30pm on Saturday are following a definite line of inquiry and believe Ms Heyneman was attacked by a person known to her.
While the investigating team was not looking for anyone else in relation to the murder, gardaí are still appealing for witnesses to come forward. Ms Heyneman, a 55-year-old mother of five, was from the Cavan area and met her husband in the Netherlands before they settled with their family back in Ireland.
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She was found unresponsive when gardaí and paramedics arrived at the family’s home on Saturday night. She was pronounced dead at the scene.
Mr Heyneman, who is in his 60s, was taken to Cavan General Hospital for treatment. He is well known in the area having worked as a porter in the Slieve Russell Hotel in Ballyconnell. Ms Heyneman was a care worker.
The suspected attacker (30s) raised the alarm himself on Saturday night when he went to a fast food outlet in Ballyconnell just after the attack and told staff to call paramedics and gardaí. He was still at the takeaway when gardaí responded and he was arrested.
[ Cavan killing: Suspect arrested in chip shop after asking owner to call gardaíOpens in new window ]
He has remained in custody since, held under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act, and his detention has been extended.
Gardaí must charge him, or release him without charge, before a 24-hour period for questioning expires. Garda interviews were suspended for periods to allow for breaks and for the suspect to receive medical treatment.
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