€10k appeal for information on murder of man shot in bed

CRIMESTOPPERS has launched a €10,000 appeal for information about the murder of a car mechanic at his home in Rathfarnham last March.

Liam “Blackey” Murray, 42, was shot dead as he slept, but gardaí have yet to make any arrests in the case.

Mr Murray was last seen alive in the Terenure area on March 17, after socialising at a bar near Clanbrassil Street earlier that day.

When family members were unable to reach him on Wednesday and Thursday they contacted one of his friends to inquire as to his whereabouts. Mr Murray’s friend called to the dead man’s cottage at Rockbrook Road and found his remains in bed. He had been shot in the head and chest.

Gardaí believe a handgun was used in the attack and said the killer most likely let himself in through an unlocked door as the victim was asleep in bed.

Detective Inspector Gearoid Begley from Terenure Garda Station yesterday made a special appeal to the public to come forward if they were in the Cruagh Road area on the evening of Tuesday, March 17, or at any time between March 17 and 20 and had witnessed any suspicious activity. It is unclear when exactly the murder took place and Mr Murray may have lain dead in the bedroom of his home for a number of days.

Gardaí believe the dead man had been involved in a number of fights in the weeks previous to his murder. He was involved in a serious incident in a pub in Stepaside with a number of people known to gardaí.

Mr Murray is known to have run a small used car sales business in recent years, and clashed with a former IRA member, from south Dublin, over the purchase of a van some time ago.

Threats were issued on both sides in that dispute, but officers believe the matter was later settled.

Information to Crimestoppers, the Garda Confidential line, or Terenure Garda Station on 01-6666400.