People suspected of involvement in Dundalk murder left the jurisdiction, inquest hears

Seán McCárthaigh

A number of individuals suspected of having been involved in an incident which resulted in the violent death of a Lithuanian man in Dundalk three years ago have left the jurisdiction, an inquest has heard.

Marius Juodenas (44) was discovered with serious injuries in his home on Barrack Street, Dundalk, Co Louth, shortly before 7pm on July 5th, 2022.

It is believed he was attacked on the street close to the house a short time earlier by a group of men with weapons.

The injured man, who came originally from Lithuania, was brought by ambulance to Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in Drogheda, Co Louth, and later transferred to Beaumont Hospital in Dublin where he died on July 26th, 2022, after a life support machine was turned off.

The deceased man, who was known to gardaí following a number of court appearances, had previously lived in a number of locations in Cavan where he held down a number of jobs for short periods but had been living in Dundalk at the time of the fatal incident.

Detective Inspector Liam Donoghue told a sitting of Dublin District Coroner’s Court that the investigation in Mr Juodenas’ murder was still ongoing.

Det Insp Donoghue explained that it was “a complex investigation” as a number of individuals believed to have been involved in his death were no longer in Ireland.

He told the coroner Aisling Gannon that the investigation was “still very much alive” with various inquiries being pursued.

Det Insp Donoghue expressed hope that an investigation file could be forwarded to the DPP.

He claimed a delay in the case was due to attempts to locate the people suspected of being involved in Mr Juodenas’ death.

Det Insp Donoghue applied for an adjournment of the inquest under Section 25 (1) of the Coroners Act on the basis that criminal proceedings are being considered.

A murder investigation was launched by gardaí following Mr Duodenas’ death three weeks after he was attacked.

It is understood detectives believe the victim was attacked in a planned assault by a number of males known to him who come originally from eastern Europe.

Ms Gannon granted the application and said she would adjourn the inquest for three months.

The coroner said she would require a detailed update and timeline for the investigation at the next sitting of the case on September 10thP.