A man has been arrested and a murder investigation launched after a city baker was shot dead at a petrol station in Limerick City early Monday morning.
The victim, 35 year old baker Daniel Treacy, was targeted by a lone gunman in the shop section of the Topaz petrol station on the Ennis Road around 6.30am. The gunman was reported to have made their escape by waiting car.
It’s understood Mr. Treacy, who is from the Rhebogue area, was shot a number of times in the body and head in the attack. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
Although not directly involved in criminal activity, the victim is part of a family which has been involved in the ongoing deadly city criminal feud. Mr. Treacy, a father of two, was taking a break from his daily bread delivery round when he was gunned down.
He is the brother of Owen Treacy, who was stabbed a number of times on the night his uncle Kieran Keane was murdered in 2003. Gardai have said however that they do not believe this incident is related to the city gang feud.
A 29 year old man has been arrested as part of the murder investigation. He is being detained at Mayorstone Garda station under section 50 of the Criminal Justice Act.
Gardai have sealed off the area for a full technical examination and the state pathologists’ office has been notified.
Investigators are speaking with a number of customers who were on the premises at the time of the shooting and are appealing for other witnesses to come forward.
Reaction
Speaking on national radio Limerick Mayor Kevin Kiely said measures introduced by the current Government to deal with the gangland crime situation do not go far enough and said “selective internment” of known gang leaders should now be seriously considered.
Limerick Labour T.D Jan O Sullivan said the perpetrators of Mondays attack have “no regard for society or human life”. “I would be reasonably optimistic that the perpetrator of this dreadful crime will be brought to justice,” she added.
The Garda Commissioner has said investigators are following “significant and definite lines of inquiry” in relation to this morning’s murder. Gardai also carried out a number of searches across the city Moinday morning as part of their investigation.
“very very confident that we will reach a successful conclusion to our investigations” – Gardai.
Speaking at a press briefing Monday evening Garda Superintendent Frank O’Brien asked the people of Limerick to work with the Gardai and said they are confident there will be a successful outcome to their investigation.
“We have a strong record, we have been successful in the past, that success has been based on the support we’re getting from the community,” the Superintendent told the media.
NEW DETAILS
Gardai wish to trace the whereabouts of a red Toyota Corolla 96 LK 1814 which may have been used in the attack.
“Anyone with information in relation to this car is asked to contact Mayorstone Garda Station on 061-456980″, Gardai said Monday night.
NEW DETAILS
A second man was arrested by investigators in the Moyross area Monday night. He is being held at Henry Street Garda station for questioning.
NEW DETAILS (23/2/10)
A car believed to be the one Gardai were looking for has been found burnt out in north Kerry.
Daniel Tracey is not from st marys park
Yep thanks, fixed.
It’s a society gone mad. Terrible news. Poor man. Poor kids
“A car believed to be the one Gardai were looking for has been found burnt out in north Kerry”
I believe the Gardai are looking into it
and
as always, keeping *cough* an open mind.