GARDAÍ IN Co Kilkenny have taken DNA samples and fingerprints from a large number of men over the weekend as part of their investigation into the deaths on Christmas morning of Sharon Whelan and her two daughters Zsara (7) and Nadia (2).
A number of men, including members of the fire brigade, Garda and locals, entered the Whelan’s home at Roscon, near the village of Windgap, as part of efforts to save the mother and two girls when fire engulfed their rented home.
The three victims were found unconscious in their beds and were taken from the fire in an effort to resuscitate them.
Gardaí have now taken swabs and fingerprints from all of the rescuers in an attempt to eliminate them from their inquiries.
The postmortem results on Ms Whelan have not conclusively established her cause of death. However, the lack of smoke in her lungs indicates she died before the fire. Her two daughters both died of smoke inhalation.
A number of marks were found on Ms Whelan’s neck, but gardaí are unclear as to the significance of these. One theory being examined is that she was strangled and that the killer set a fire in the house to cover his tracks.
However, State Pathologist Prof Marie Cassidy is awaiting the results of toxicology tests.
As well as taking swabs and fingerprints, gardaí have already spoken to Ms Whelan’s family and friends in a bid to gain any information that might help solve the case.
Nobody has been arrested and questioned under caution.
Gardaí believe a man may have been in Ms Whelan’s home early on Christmas morning.
A very extensive technical examination of the scene has also been carried out. It appeared the fire had started in the kitchen where wires were hooked up to Christmas lights in the back garden via an extension lead. However, the theory that the lights caused an accidental fire is being downplayed.
The Garda investigation into the deaths of the mother and two girls is still being officially treated as a suspicious deaths inquiry. However, it may be upgraded to a murder probe in coming days.
Investigating officers can be contacted at the incident room in Kilkenny Garda station on 056- 7775070 or the Garda Confidential telephone number 1800 666111.