Probe into teenager's knife murder

Detectives were tonight investigating the murder of a 17-year-old less than a quarter of a mile from his family home.

Stephen Lyne died on the roadside after a night out with friends in Killarney, Co Kerry.

It is believed he was stabbed in the back during a row.

Stephen’s body was discovered on a grass verge on Ross Road, one of the main roads into the town centre, at 1.45am.

The victim lived about 300 yards away with his devastated parents Denis and Lotte on Castle Falls.

Stephen came from a well known and respected family in the town who have no criminal connections.

The teenager was due to begin his final year at Killarney Community College in September and sit his Leaving Certificate Applied next summer.

In a statement the school said Stephen was a popular student with staff and pupils, who were being offered counselling and support.

“He contributed greatly to the life of the school and recently received a class endeavour award for organising a whole school soccer tournament,” it read.

“He was involved in the College Garden Project where he made a beautiful wall mosaic.

“He will be sadly missed by everyone.

“We express our deepest sympathies to Stephen’s family.”

Residents in Killarney are shocked by the stabbing, which happened in a built up area close to several housing estates.

While forensic officers combed the scene for evidence, detectives were trying to establish a motive for Stephen’s death.

A post mortem exam was taking place to establish an exact cause of death.

It is understood he had been out drinking with friends in Killarney town centre before a row broke out as he walked home.

Investigating officers are said to be checking CCTV in the town centre to trace his last movements.

Independent councillor Donal Grady said Stephen was a quiet lad.

“He was a young man,” he said, “A young life just wasted.”

Fine Gael councillor Cathal Walshe said people are shocked that something like this could happen

.

“They are asking what happened and why, but we don’t really know,” added the former garda.

“The Lyne family would be old Killarney stock and we offer our sympathies to the family of the deceased.

“It is normally a quiet town but these things seem to happen.”