Discovery of weapon yields lines of enquiry

Gardaí investigating the execution-style shooting of a man in Co Cork almost six years ago are following new lines of enquiry after identifying the murder weapon.

The significant breakthrough in the investigation in to David “Boogie” Brett’s murder in May 2007 prompted a renewed appeal for information on Crimecall on Monday night.

Inspector Tony Sugrue confirmed yesterday gardaí received information during a telephone call after the appeal which is now being followed up on.

“The weapon has been forensically examined and it is yielding significant evidence,” he said. “We are convinced there was a number of people involved in the handling and transportation of this weapon before the killers themselves used it. There wasn’t just one person involved. A number of people were involved, and these people have not come forward to us.

“This is their opportunity to come forward now. It would be better for them to come forward rather than us going to them at this stage.”

Mr Brett’s body was discovered lying in a pool of blood next to his silver Audi car on a quiet country road just outside Foyle National School about 7km from Ballydesmond, Co Cork, on May 21, 2007.

An inquest in 2008 heard he had been shot in the head and neck, in what gardaí believe was a professional hit. Detectives believe he had been deliberately lured to the secluded spot.

Insp Sugrue also said gardaí are satisfied Brett’s killers left the scene in a silver car.

He appealed to anyone who may have seen that car parked in the Ballydesmond area, or acting suspiciously in the area, in the hours before the shooting — particularly between 8pm and 12pm on Monday, May 21, 2007 — to contact gardaí.

Mr Brett, who was originally from Greenmount near Barrack St in Cork City, had a number of convictions for drug-related crimes. He was jailed for four years at Waterford Circuit Court in 1995 for possession of drugs with intent to supply.

In 2001, he was given a seven-year suspended sentence for driving another man to pick up €50,000 worth of ecstasy which was stashed at Ballymartle, Kinsale, Co Cork.

But, in the years before his murder, he had not come to Garda attention and he had relocated with his long-term partner, and three children, from Cork to Dromina near Charleville, in a bid to build a new life.

Mr Brett’s brother, Thomas, also appealed to the public for help to bring those responsible for the murder to justice. “It’s been six years but it still feels like last week — there is no resolution. We are still waiting for somebody to be apprehended and brought to court.”

He said David’s partner had lost the love of her life, their kids had lost a father, his parents had lost a baby and his siblings had lost the best friend they ever had.

He said his mother still keeps David’s greyhounds and sometimes finds it difficult to sleep at night. “Somebody knows something — please don’t let it happen to another family.”

*Anyone with information should contact Kanturk Garda Station: 029 20680.