Irish police have launched a murder investigation following the discovery of a woman’s body at a home in Killarney, County Kerry, as detectives continue efforts to trace a man believed to have left the country shortly before her body was found.
Gardaí said officers were called to a property on Muckross Road on Tuesday, where a woman in her 40s was pronounced dead at the scene. The investigation, initially treated as a suspicious death, has since been upgraded to a murder inquiry following the results of a post-mortem examination.
The victim has been identified locally as Jamey Carney, a native of New York who had been living in Killarney for about five years with her teenage daughter, according to Irish broadcaster RTÉ.
Investigators say they are seeking to question a man who was known to the victim. While his identity has not been released, Gardaí have described him as a “person of interest” in the case.
Police confirmed on Thursday that the man left the Republic of Ireland during the early hours of Tuesday, before Ms Carney’s body was discovered. Authorities said they are now working with international law enforcement agencies as efforts continue to locate him.
According to RTÉ, the man travelled by bus to Dublin before boarding a flight to the Middle East, where he is believed to be originally from.
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A forensic examination of the property has been completed, while detectives continue gathering evidence and interviewing potential witnesses.
Gardaí are appealing to anyone who was in the Muckross Road area between the evening of 6 July and the afternoon of 7 July to come forward. Investigators are particularly interested in CCTV, dashcam or other video footage that may help establish movements in the area before the woman’s death.
The killing has shocked the popular tourist town, where local leaders say the normally vibrant atmosphere has been replaced by grief and disbelief.
John O’Donoghue, the Cathaoirleach (Mayor) of Killarney, described the impact on the community as profound.
He said the town had been enjoying warm summer weather, with residents and visitors filling the streets, before news of the death spread.
“It was almost like a festival atmosphere,” he said. “Then suddenly it felt as though a dark cloud had settled over the town.”
O’Donoghue said he did not know Ms Carney personally but often saw her in the neighbourhood. He described the Homeland estate on Muckross Road, where she lived, as a modern residential development located in one of Killarney’s most desirable areas.
Councillor Niall O’Callaghan also expressed sympathy for the victim’s family, saying the community was devastated by the tragedy and urging anyone with information to assist investigators.
Gardaí have established an incident room at Killarney Garda Station, where a senior investigating officer is leading the inquiry. Detectives say the investigation remains active as they work with international partners to trace the man they wish to question and determine the circumstances surrounding Ms Carney’s death.
