Woman questioned over man's death released

GARDAÍ INVESTIGATING the murder of Walter Plunkett in Co Wexford have released without charge a woman they had questioned about the killing.

The woman, a 50-year-old known to the dead man but not a relative, was released from custody at Enniscorthy Garda station yesterday after her arrest on Monday at the scene of the killing.

There were concerns for the woman’s mental health and before gardaí questioned her, she underwent a psychiatric assessment at Waterford Regional Hospital.

After being examined at the hospital, she was taken into Garda custody for questioning and held overnight before her release yesterday.

The inquiry into Mr Plunkett’s death by asphyxiation is continuing. Gardaí have identified a chief suspect in the case and are preparing a file on the matter for the Director of Public Prosecutions.

Mr Plunkett (84), a widower from Ballyrea, Ballyedmond, was found outside his home shortly before 5pm on Sunday. It is believed neighbours became concerned for his safety on Sunday and contacted gardaí. When gardaí went to the property they found Mr Plunkett collapsed on the front lawn.

Gardaí called for medical attention. Mr Plunkett was treated at the scene but was pronounced dead a short time later. The area was classified as a crime scene and sealed off for forensic examination. State Pathologist Prof Marie Cassidy conducted a postmortem which revealed Mr Plunkett had died of asphyxiation, and a murder investigation was started.