Investigations continuing as community 'in shock' after first gangland killing this year

Gardaí are investigating if Mr Ledwidge was shot as a result of a personal feud with a local drug dealer in the area. Picture: RollingNews.ie

An autopsy has been completed on the victim of the first gangland killing this year, the results of which will not be released for “operational reasons”, gardaí have said.

Investigations are continuing into the shooting of 23-year-old Brandon Ledwidge, from Finglas, West Dublin who died on Saturday.

He was shot in the head and body by a gunman in the front garden of his home in Barry Drive, while his mother was inside. Gardaí are investigating if he was shot as a result of a personal feud with a local drug dealer in the area.

Speaking to the Irish Examiner, local councillor Keith Connolly, who is Joint Chairperson for Joint Policing Committee in Dublin northwest, said: “It’s a sad loss of a life of a very young man”.

“The community is in shock, there are big feelings right now,” he said. “My condolences to his family and friends. Finglas has been targeted by gardaí in recent months, with many houses raided, and unfortunately this happened.”

Gardaí said State Pathologist Dr Sally Ann Collis carried out an autopsy on Mr Ledwidge’s remains on Sunday. “The results of which are not being released for operational reasons,” the statement said.

Meanwhile, a technical examination of the scene has been completed by the Garda Technical Bureau.

The investigation is being led by a Senior Investigation Office and a Garda Family Liaison Office has been appointed to liaise with the family, the gardaí said.

Gardaí are carrying out door-to-door enquiries and reviewing CCTV. Anyone with any information in relation to the shooting is asked to contact Finglas Garda Station on 01 666 7500, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda station.