Gardaí confirm two murder investigations under way in Sligo; Taoiseach Micheál Martin 'deeply concerned'
A Garda forensic officer at the scene in Cartron Heights, Sligo, Ireland, following the death of Aidan Moffitt, who was in his early 40s. Picture: Niall Carson/PA Wire
Gardaí have confirmed two separate murder investigations are under way following the killing and mutilation of two men in Sligo town in recent days.
Gardaí arrested a man in his 20s in Sligo during the early hours of this morning, following the discovery of the body of the latest victim in an apartment at Connaughton Road at 10.30pm on Tuesday.
The second man killed in Sligo has been named as 58-year-old Michael Snee.
Garda superintendent Aidan Glacken told a press conference in Sligo:
The officer said gardaí are conducting separate murder investigations into the deaths of Mr Snee and 42-year-old businessman and Fine Gael activist Aidan Moffitt, who was found dead in his house in Cartron Heights in Sligo on Monday.
“Michael and Aidan were well-known and respected in this community,” Mr Glacken said.
“They were assaulted and murdered in their own homes. Our thoughts and prayers are with their families at this time and indeed their friends and the wider community in Sligo.”
Gardaí in Sligo are investigating the death of a man found with significant injuries in an apartment. He is the second man found dead with extensive injuries in the town this week.
A man in his 20s was arrested on suspicion of murder after the discovery of the dead man, who was in his late 50s.
His body was found in an apartment in Connaughton Road at around 10.30pm on Tuesday. The scene remained sealed off on Wednesday morning.
At around 1.45am on Wednesday the suspect was detained in Sligo town by members of the Garda Armed Support Unit.
He is being held at Sligo Garda station.
The incident comes after the body of another man was discovered in Sligo on Monday.
Gardai have launched a murder investigation into the death of Aidan Moffitt, who was in his early 40s.
The Garda confirmed on Tuesday evening that they were investigating whether Mr Moffitt met his attacker online.
Gardai are also investigating whether there was a “hate-related motive” in the murder.
Mr Moffitt’s body was discovered at a house in Cartron Heights at around 8.30pm on Monday.
The victim had sustained what gardaí described as “significant physical injuries”.
Taoiseach Micheál Martin said he send his “deepest sympathies” to the family and friends of Mr Moffitt.
“Deeply concerned by this horrific killing and reports of another violent death in Sligo this morning,” Mr Martin tweeted.
Tanaiste Leo Varadkar said Mr Moffitt was a Fine Gael activist.
“Deeply troubled to read about the two suspected murders in Sligo,” he said.
“Thinking of his family and friends. What happened is unspeakable and hard to fathom.
“Concerned about the possible motive of the attacker. RIP.”
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