GARDAÍ IN Co Cork have launched a murder inquiry after a postmortem revealed a 31-year-old man whose body was found in a burning flat in Youghal died as a result of a knife wound.
Supt Flor Horan said gardaí had launched the murder inquiry into the death of Mikey O’Shea after a preliminary postmortem examination by Assistant State Pathologist, Dr Margaret Bolster confirmed he had suffered a violent death.
Mr O’Shea’s remains had been recovered from his flat at North Main Street in Youghal at around 2.30am by firefighters who had been called to deal with a blaze.
It’s understood that Mr O’Shea’s body was found wrapped in a duvet under a bed by firefighters who, equipped with breathing apparatus, entered Mr O’Shea’s downstairs flat and managed to get him out into a hallway where a paramedic worked to try to resuscitate him.
Mr O’Shea was pronounced dead at the scene but it was noticed he had a serious knife wound to his neck and gardaí cordoned off the scene.
Gardaí requested the services of the State Pathologist Office and the Garda Technical Bureau. The body was removed around 1pm to Cork University Hospital for the postmortem by Dr Bolster.
While the downstairs flat was badly damaged, it appears there was no sign of forced entry, suggesting Mr O’Shea, who was found dressed, may have allowed his killer entry to the flat.
A preliminary visual inspection failed to find a knife or sharp implement which may have been used in the killing but technical experts will begin combing the flat today.
Mr O’Shea’s flat is one of 15 in the building which is located just 20 yards from Youghal’s Clock Tower. Gardaí have begun taking statements from the other residents of the building.
Gardaí also began door-to-door inquiries on North Main Street to see if anyone saw or heard anything suspicious in the area, while detectives have also begun examining CCTV footage from a number of shops and businesses.
Detectives have established that Mr O’Shea was last seen alive around 10pm, when he attended a meeting in Youghal.
Gardaí have appealed to anyone with information to contact Youghal gardaí on 024-92200.
