Cork city murder latest: Net is tightening around Frankie's killer
Frankie Dunne was brutally murdered last week
Ann Murphy
THE net is tightening around the killer of Francis ‘Frankie’ Dunne, whose dismembered body was found last Saturday on Boreenmanna Rd.
The body of the 64-year-old Churchfield native is expected to be released back to his family soon, after which his funeral will take place.
Flowers left outside Castlegreina House on the Boreenmanna Road in Cork where the body of Frankie Dunne was discovered. Picture Dan Linehan
It is understood that gardaí are now following a definite line of inquiry in their probe into the killing at Castlegreina House, and are close to identifying a main suspect for the gruesome murder.
Gardaí concluded their search of the crime scene yesterday, some five days after the body was discovered.
They had secured an extra 48-hour extension of the designation of the property as a crime scene to allow them remain there until yesterday to hunt for clues.
The overgrown grounds of the abandoned house created challenging conditions for forensic experts.
Castlegreina House on the Boreenmanna Road in Cork where the body of Frankie Dunne was discovered. Picture: Dan Linehan
Up to 50 gardaí and detectives are involved in the investigation into the murder, which has rocked Cork’s homeless community.
Gardaí are keeping details of the investigation under wraps and have not revealed if a weapon was found in their intricate search of the grounds of the house.
Superintendent Michael Comyns said: “We are not revealing that for operational reasons.”
He said that the public has responded well to appeals for help in the investigation, adding: “We are trying to piece together what exactly went on.”
Mr Dunne’s body was discovered by a person looking for their cat on Saturday.
It is believed that his arms and head were removed after he was killed.
A team of up to 50 gardaí are now working on the case, in areas including house to house queries, taking of witness statements, viewing of CCTV footage and the carrying out of searches.
Mr Dunne was last seen alive a week ago today at a high-support housing unit run by Cork Simon, on Boreenmanna Rd.
Tributes have been written across social media platforms by people who knew and were friends with Mr Dunne.
Part of the garden cleared during the search of Castlegreina House on the Boreenmanna Road in Cork where the body of Frankie Dunne was discovered. Picture Dan Linehan
One woman wrote that the dead man was “1 in a million”, adding that she had shared many years of friendship with him and that her heart was broken at his death.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Bridewell Garda Station on 021 4943330, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station.
