File sent to DPP on gang murder

GARDAÍ are to send a file to the DPP in connection with the first gangland murder of this year.

Senior officers said they have made good progress in the investigation into the fatal gun attack on Dara McCormack in west Dublin last month.

“We have a definite line of inquiry in the investigation and a file is being prepared for the DPP,” said a garda source.

Gardaí have arrested a man, believed to be the main suspect, in relation to the shooting. Officers in Blanchardstown are still looking to interview a number of people.

McCormack, aged 21, was shot dead at his home in Whitestown Park, Clonsilla, on February 11.

The shooting was the first gangland murder this year.

Gardaí suspect the deceased may have owed money to drug dealers, possibly as a result of using drugs rather than dealing them. The youth was not a known criminal and lived with his parents.

McCormack, a construction worker, was ambushed by two people after he left his home and was shot in the back.

At the time of the murder, the victim’s father, Thomas, rejected rumours his son was involved in drugs.

He said there had been an incident a couple of weeks beforehand in which his son was set upon by a gang wielding knives. The family claim they know the killer.

The DPP will examine the file and determine if there is sufficient evidence to warrant a prosecution.

McCormack’s shooting is one of two gangland murders this year being investigated by gardaí in the Dublin western region.

Last Friday, criminal Shay Bradley was found shot dead in Cabra.