Drimnagh shooting victim, 20, ‘blasted in revenge for knifing’ theory probed as new chief suspect details emerge | JFPT5CC | 2024-05-08 00:08:01
Drimnagh shooting victim, 20, 'blasted in revenge for knifing' theory probed as new chief suspect details emerge | JFPT5CC | 2024-05-08 00:08:01
GARDAI are probing if the suspected triggerman in the murder of Josh Itseli carried out the shooting in retaliation after he was stabbed in the neck in recent weeks.
The young thug, aged in his early 20s, is the man gardai believe was armed with the AR-15 semi-automatic rifle in Drimnagh, south Dublin in the early hours of Monday.
It is understood the only bullet casings found at the scene were attributed to that firearm, which was recovered by cops from a hedge nearby.
The chief suspect, one of three arrested in bulletproof vests in the same area following the mayhem, is well-known to gardai and was an associate of the victim.
He is heavily involved in the drugs trade and is suspected of other shootings.
He was also targeted in a stabbing attack recently and cops are trying to establish if that is connected to the murder this week.
A source told us: "This individual is a very bad egg, very dangerous and volatile.
"He is part of a younger generation who've become heavily involved in drug gangs in recent years. The fact they've access to an AR-15 is very concerning.
"This is related to an ongoing dispute which has seen a number of incidents recently, all of which are being looked at in the context of this murder now. But it's a very complex investigation."
Detectives probing Itseli's murder, at 12.15am in the Knocknarea Road area of Drimnagh on Monday, are following a number of lines of inquiry.
One major theory is that 20-year-old drug runner Itseli was the victim of a double cross and set up by his own associates.
He was in a Volkswagen Golf car which was rammed by a Mercedes, both of which were stolen, before Itseli was plugged.
A third car, a Ford Focus, was nearby but crashed and was ditched by hoods who fled on foot.
Pipe bomb found
A fourth vehicle, a van, was also believed to be in the area at the time. As Itseli was being treated, cops from the Armed Support Unit discovered a pipe bomb.
Officers believe the device — later made safe by the Army Explosive Ordnance Disposal team — was set to target the house of a rival of Itseli before the car was intercepted and he was shot.
A post-mortem examination was being carried out on the remains of Itseli by State Pathologist Heidi Okkers today.
Itseli was also known to gardai in Dublin's south inner city and had a reputation of arming himself with knives.
It is believed he had incurred a serious drug debt after being caught by gardai with a stash worth tens of thousands.
Drugs charges
We have also learned Itseli was facing charges for the sale and supply of cocaine in Drimnagh last April and May.
The case was due to go before the circuit court.
A number of searches were carried out on Monday night by investigators, including at the home of the intended target of the pipe bomb.
However, gardai found nothing in the property while no one else was there.
Cops are also reviewing CCTV from houses in the area, one of which shows two young hooded men running up by houses with one carrying a firearm.
Forensic examinations
The AR-15 recovered is also undergoing a forensic examination, as are a number of seized cars.
Cops tonight also issued an appeal for information in relation to a black motorbike they believe is connected with the incident.
A spokesperson said: "Gardai in Sundrive Road continue to investigate all the circumstances surrounding the fatal shooting incident that occurred in the early hours of Monday 6th May 2024, on Knocknarea Road, Drimnagh, Dublin 12.
"A post-mortem has been completed on the body of the deceased male, the results of which are not being released for operational purposes.
"The three males arrested as part of this investigation remain detained at Garda Stations in the Dublin Region under Section 30 of the Offences Against the State Act, 1939.
Info appeal
"Gardaí are appealing for information in relation to a black Talaria Sting electric motorbike which is understood to have been used in connection with this incident.
"The electric motorbike was observed in the vicinity of Dolphin Road, Crumlin Road and Davitt Road on Sunday night, 5th May 2024 and into the early hours of Monday morning, 6th May 2024.
"Gardai are appealing to anyone who may have observed a black Talaria Sting electric motorbike in the vicinity of Dolphin Road in recent days. The motorbike has been seized by investigating Gardaí, who are also seeking the rightful owner of the vehicle.
"Gardai are also appealing to any taxi drivers, public service vehicle (PSV) drivers and any motorists who observed pedestrians, or who may have been approached by pedestrians, on Davitt Road in the early hours of Monday morning, 6th May 2024.
"Anyone with any information that can assist Gardaí with their investigation is asked to contact Sundrive Road Garda Station on 01 666 6600, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111 or any Garda Station. Any information received will be dealt with in the strictest confidence."
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