Pensioner slain in his own apartment

Gardaí have launched a murder probe after a pensioner was fatally stabbed at his home.

The man, named locally as Patrick Redmond, 65, was found by gardaí in a critical condition inside his apartment at Mount Kennett Place, Limerick City, at around 2am yesterday.

He was taken to University Hospital Limerick but died from his injuries at 8am.

An autopsy, conducted at the hospital last night by deputy state pathologist Dr Michael Curtis, confirmed he sustained a single stab wound in the back.

It’s believed a kitchen knife was used.

However, gardaí would not comment on whether a weapon had been found.

The victim was living alone, gardaí said. He is understood to be estranged from his wife. They have three daughters. His family are said to be devastated.

The inner city apartment block is located just off the Dock Rd, a stone’s throw from Henry St, and is frequented by people from Africa, Nigeria, and Eastern Europe.

A non-national woman — who did not want to be named but who lives at the apartment block — said she was frightened living there.

“My first reaction was I was shocked. I was shocked, scared,” she said.

“I don’t feel safe in these apartments. I have lived here for three years.”

Gardaí, after receiving a phonecall, found Mr Redmond.

The first-floor apartment of the five-storey building remained sealed off yesterday as a Garda forensic team continued to examine it for DNA and other forensic information.

Door-to-door inquiries were continuing in the apartment block and in surrounding business premises. A dedicated Garda unit is also working solely on securing CCTV footage.

No arrests have been made, and gardaí have as yet established no clear motive. However, according to sources, it’s believed Mr Redmond was attacked during a domestic dispute with a fellow resident.

Supt Dan Keane said: “Gardaí were called to the scene shortly after 2am and a man was removed to Limerick University Hospital, where he subsequently died a few hours later.”

“A full-scale investigation has been launched and we have set up an incident room at Henry Street Garda Station.”

Supt Keane appealed for information from the public: “I am appealing for any witnesses or anyone who may have information.

“I am also appealing for anyone who may have been in the Mount Kennett Place road [area] — anytime between 10pm last night and 2am this morning [Sunday] — to contact us.

“We’d appeal for them [witnesses] to come forward and speak to us in confidence at Henry St Garda station.

“If they ring 061-212400 they will be spoken to in confidence.”