Timeline: What we know about the Sligo murder investigations so far
Gardaí at the scene at Cartron Heights, Sligo. Picture: James Connolly
The killing of two men in Sligo Town in just over 24 hours has sent shockwaves through the local community.
A man, aged in his 20s, has now been arrested in relation to the second killing. However, he is expected to be questioned over both.
Gardaí are now investigating if the two fatal attacks in as many days are linked in any way to a previous assault on a man that occurred in Sligo in the early hours of Saturday morning last.
"We continue to retain an open mind in this investigation," Garda superintendent Aidan Glacken said at a press conference this morning.
"We are actively investigating as to whether there is any hate related motive to these murders."
Here's what we know so far:
A man in his 40s is seriously injured following a vicious assault in the racecourse area of Sligo Town.
In the attack, he is reportedly stabbed and loses an eye.
Gardaí begin investigating the assault.
A man later identified as Aidan Moffitt, leaves the Village Inn Pub in Sligo Town. It is the last time he is seen alive.
The remains of a man in his 40s are discovered at a semi-detached house in the Cartron Heights, a small housing estate overlooking Sligo Town.
Gardaí initially say the body was discovered in "unexplained circumstances." However, the victim is said to have received "significant physical injuries".
The victim of the killing is named locally as Mr Aidan Moffitt, a 41-year-old Fine Gael activist and auctioneer.
Mr Moffitt was a well-respected local businessman, who, aside from his auctioneering business, provided advice on mortgages and pensions.
There does not appear to be any signs of forced entry at the property.
His body is then removed from the house and taken to University Hospital Sligo pending a post mortem examination by State pathologist Sally Anne Collis.
Gardaí say they are actively investigating whether there is any hate-related motive for Mr Moffitt's murder, and whether he met his attacker online.
Gardaí are called to an apartment at Connaughton Road, Sligo Town, a short distance from the first crime scene.
At the apartment, they discover the body of a male in his late 50s.
As in the case of Mr Moffitt, the gardaí say the victim received "significant physical injuries".
Investigating officers cordon off the scene. The victim is described as having having lived alone at the property with his dog.
A post-mortem examination is scheduled to take place the following day, the results of which are likely to determine the course of the garda investigation.
Following what has been described as "intense local garda activity and enquiries" gardaí arrest a man, aged in his 20s and at a premises on Mail Coach Road in Sligo Town.
They are assisted by members of the garda armed support unit.
This man is brought to Sligo Garda station, where he is currently detained under the provision of section 4 Criminal Justice Act 1984.
Gardaí are said to be examining whether there is a hate-related motive to the killings.
anyone with information has been asked to contact the same dedicated phone number for both murders at an incident room in Sligo Garda Station - 071 9157088.
At a press conference, gardaí said the second man murdered in Sligo has been named as 58-year-old Michael Snee.
Garda superintendent Aidan Glacken told the press conference in Sligo: “Michael had been subject of a serious physical assault and had suffered significant injuries.”
The officer said gardaí were conducting separate murder investigations into the deaths of Mr Snee and Mr Moffitt.
“Michael and Aidan were well known and respected in this community,” Mr Glacken said.
“They were assaulted and murdered in their own homes. Our thoughts and prayers are with their families at this time and indeed their friends and the wider community in Sligo.”
He added gardaí were keeping an “open mind” in the investigation, stating that gardaí were investigating whether the two victims in Sligo met their attacker online.
