Nenagh murder: Gardaí believe killer may have had an accomplice

It has been revealed this morning that Gardaí investigating the murder of 89-year-old Nenagh woman Josephine Ray are examining whether her killer might have had an accomplice who helped them to gain entry to her house and leave the scene after the killing.

There were no signs of forced entry into the house so it is believed that Ms Ray's killer may have been known to her. 

It is understood that she was asphyxiated by her killer some time between 8pm on Saturday, when she was last seen alive, and midday on Sunday.

Gardaí have said that the forensic examination of the house, and a number of items removed by members of the Garda National Technical Bureau from Dublin, will be critical in assisting them in identifying whoever killed Ms Ray.

Speaking exclusively to the Irish Mirror yesterday and determined to get justice for his grandmother, Josephine's Grandson Daniel Ray O'Brien said, “Plenty of times. She told me “they want me dead.” I don’t know. It’s crazy. I feel like the State let her down big time,” he said. “We contacted the guards about 40 times at least. She broke her hip three or four months back in that house in suspicious circumstances too.”

Daniel believes he knows who is responsible for his grandmother's death and when asked if he thinks they will come forward, he responded “I hope so, I really do, but I know they won’t. They really won’t.” 

He described the individual he believes to be responsible as “an evil person. Pure evil.” 

Gardaí in Nenagh are still appealing for witnesses to come forward, particularly those who were in the St Joseph’s Park area of Nenagh between 8pm on Saturday, August 3, and midday on Sunday, August 4. They are also seeking video and dash cam footage from the area.

This latest update occurs as Josephine Ray's funeral is set to occur later this morning in St Mary of the Rosary Church, Nenagh.