Baby’s death to be treated as murder

THE death of a 10-day-old baby in north Dublin more than two weeks ago is being treated as murder, a senior garda has confirmed.

Two more people were arrested yesterday — bringing to eight the total number arrested in the investigation.

Chief Superintendent Gerry Phillips of the Dublin Northern Division said that the death of Johnny McCarthy was being treated as murder in light of the report by the pathologist.

“The baby’s injuries were consistent with blunt force trauma to the body and we have launched a murder investigation,” said Chief Supt Phillips.

The baby received injuries at a house in Lusk, north county Dublin, shortly after midnight on January 7. The newborn had earlier travelled with his parents from their home in Navan to a party at a house in Scholars Walk, Lusk.

At about midnight the baby was taken by three men and his mother to the Emergency Department of Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in Drogheda.

Despite efforts by doctors and nurses, the baby died about two hours later.

Chief Supt Phillips said of the eight people arrested and cautioned in relation to the death “six have been in for withholding information and two in relation to murder”.

“We know some people in the public know what occurred on the night and would be able to assist us. We would ask them to rethink their reluctance to come forward and talk to us. Anything they would say would be treated in the strictest confidence.”

* Balbriggan Garda Station 01-8020510, or any station, Garda Confidential Line freefone 1800 666 111.