THE Mayor of Killarney has expressed sympathy, on behalf of the people of the municipal district, to the relatives, friends and neighbours of the three people that died in horrific circumstances in Lixnaw.
As reported on KillarneyToday.com last night, the grim discovery of the bodies of three members of one family was made in a house and a nearby field shortly after 8.30pm.
A neighbour called to the house, in the rural townland of Ballyreehan, after concerns had been raised that the occupants had not been seen all day.
He raised the alarm when the body of a woman, aged 56, and her 24-year-old her son were found inside the house.
Gardai later discovered the remains of the woman’s 63-year-old partner in a nearby field and a firearm was discovered close by.
The house and land was immediately cordoned off for a forensic examination and Assistant State Pathologist, Dr Margot Bolster, attended the scene this afternoon. The bodies were removed in three hearses to University Hospital Kerry shortly after 3.30pm today and post mortem examinations will take place.
Parish Priest Fr Anthony O’Sullivan, who visited the scene to administer the last rites, remarked: “Words fail me. I just can’t put into words what I saw and what I witnessed.”
An incident room has been set up at Listowel Garda Station and although initial reports indicate that it was most likely a double murder and suicide, officers have stressed that the investigation is still at a very early stage.
Prior to the start of a Killarney Municipal District Council meeting this Wednesday morning, Mayor Moloney, described it as a terrible tragedy.
“It’s awful news. We send our deepest condolences to the extended family,” she said.
