'Unusual' body find sparks murder probe

A senior garda today described as most unusual the circumstances surrounding the murder of a separated father in his apartment.

Denis Brennan, 60, was found dead at the flat where he lived alone in a modern, secure complex at Bow Bridge in Kilmainham, Dublin, yesterday morning.

Despite no sign of a break-in, no obvious injuries, no indication of a weapon having been used or any suggestion of poisoning, detectives are certain he was murdered.

Superintendent Thady Muldoon, of Kevin Street Garda Station, said the manner in which the body was discovered signalled that Mr Brennan had been killed.

“There was nothing obvious, just perhaps an unusual – most unusual – way the deceased was found,” he said.

“Certainly, it rose questions which subsequently have proved to be very valid.”

Because security was good in the apartment complex detectives are looking at the possibility that Mr Brennan either knew his killer or invited him into his home.

Around 25 investigating officers working on the case are hoping that results from further tests on the body expected in the coming days will help advance the case.

CCTV coverage which is believed to be good in the complex and surrounding area is being scoured by the murder team.

A post mortem examination already carried out by deputy state pathologist Dr Michael Curtis was inconclusive while forensic tests continue at the crime scene.

Mr Brennan, a part-time worker from Dublin, was last seen at his apartment complex at around midday on Saturday.

A friend of the dead man who was supposed to meet him for a drink on Sunday night raised the alarm after he failed to turn up.

When gardaí arrived at Mr Brennan’s apartment yesterday morning at around 11.30am he was found dead in what was described as an unusual manner in the living room.

Detectives believe the public’s help could prove crucial in catching the killer and have urged witnesses who may have seen something suspicious over the weekend to come forward.

Supt Muldoon said he could not go into any further detail about the exact cause of death for operational reasons.

[It’s] unusual, which is why we are appealing for help in this matter,“ he said.

“The cause of death and the time of death has not yet been established.

“I don’t propose to go into exactly why at the moment. We are awaiting additional tests from both the deputy state pathologist and our own forensic people. ”

Mr Brennan is thought to have been living in the Kilmainham area for some years and would have been known to residents in the Bow Bridge complex.

Investigating officers are carrying out door-to-door inquiries at apartments in the immediate area of the murder scene.

A Garda liaison officer has been appointed to work with Mr Brennan’s family.