Witnesses 'too scared to speak out after murder'

A core group of criminals have silenced witnesses to an horrific murder in a north Dublin suburb, detectives revealed today.

Gardaí will be pounding the streets of Finglas as they step up their hunt for the killer of Lee Kinsella, who was gunned down in front of his eight-year-old stepson.

Detectives are even considering putting key witnesses that come forward on a protection programme to ensure a prosecution on the case.

Crimestoppers have also backed the force, offering a substantial reward to help catch the cold-blooded killer of the innocent man.

Lee, 30, who had no criminal connection, was shot dead through the living room window of his family home in Rathoath Avenue on May 8, around 18 months after he confronted car thieves.

The loving dad pushed his stepson Ryan Joyce out of the hail of bullets which showered through their home.

“We believe that the people up there are too afraid to speak out,” said Detective Inspector Brian Sherry, of Blanchardstown Garda Station.

“People up there actually know who did this and why, but the fear factor is there.

“These people go around and tell people to keep their mouths shut. It is quite frightening what they are capable of doing and it makes our job almost impossible.

“These people are like a cancer in the area and like all cancers, if you leave it it is going to grow and eventually take over.”

Gardaí have made six arrests in relation to the case, but to date no one has been charged.

The Finglas community is still trying to come to terms with the shooting of apprentice plumber Anthony Campbell last month, who was gunned down when hit men targeted crime boss Martin Marlo Hyland. The tradesman was working in a house belonging to the drug baron’s niece when the assassins struck.

Lee’s devastated family, including his sister Donna and partner of eight years Pamela Joyce, are determined to see his killers behind bars.

“All murders are horrific, but when a murder is committed in front of an eight-year-old child it’s more horrific,” continued Inspector Sherry.

“It adds to the coldness of the person who did it.

“People in Finglas need to realise that the type of people capable of these crimes are living in their neighbourhood, they could be their neighbour.

“What’s to say it won’t be them next for some reason, because these guys do not need much of a reason. These people are prepared to go out and kill.”

Inspector Sherry hopes the financial incentive behind Crimestoppers – which in the past has been up to 10,000 euro – would bring someone with vital information forward.

“Other ways that might get people to come forward can be facilitated, like on witness protection,” he added. “Obviously this is something we would consider. We would consider anything.”

It is believed the shooting related to an altercation between Lee and a group of local youths about 18 months before his death.

The gang was said to have crashed the stolen car into a parked car Lee and Ryan were in, and when Lee shouted at them they attacked him with batons and threatened to shoot him.

The same group returned next morning and shot at Lee but he escaped with minor injuries.

Lee later dropped all charges against the accused when they agreed to call a truce, but he remained in fear of his life until the fatal shooting.

Since the killing Ryan, who attempted to save Lee’s life by pressing on the bullet wound, has suffered from nightmares and the once happy schoolboy is now a scared and angry youngster.

“We are hoping that now a reward has been offered we will get someone to speak out,” said Donna. “We know Lee was innocent, everyone knows Lee was innocent. Someone has information to help solve his murder.

“This is something Ryan will never come to terms with. We can’t imagine what is going through his mind.”

A spokesperson for Crimestoppers said a reward may be given if the information leads to the identification and conviction of whoever is responsible for the murder.

Anyone with information can call Crimestoppers free on 1800 25 00 25 in confidence.