Tuesday October 21 2008
THE prime suspect in the 14th gun murder this year may be as young as 17, gardai said.
Detectives are hunting the youth after Gavin McCarthy was shot dead in Dublin’s north inner city – streets away from the busy IFSC.
The 24-year-old was known by gardai but was not a major gangland figure and it is believed he was gunned down in a feud sparked by the jailing of a local drug lord for rape.
Superintendent Ray Barry said the suspected killer cycled up to McCarthy on Sheriff Street at around 9pm on Sunday and shot him dead at point blank range.
He said the gunman was aged in his late teens, of slim build, around 5ft 8ins and wearing sports trainers.
"We are appealing for information on a young man between the ages of 17-19 who was wearing dark clothing and had a scarf on his face," Supt Barry said.
"It seems he arrived on the scene on a bike and made his escape on a bike."
Gardai believe the bike and the handgun were dumped near the murder scene but neither has been recovered.
The shooting took place outside Noctor's bar and the street remained sealed off for most of today as garda forensic teams examined the footpath for evidence.
A taxi parked yards from where the killing took place was also inspected by detectives.
Joe Costello, Labour TD for the area, said the Government had failed to tackle the root cause of gang violence and criminality.
"Sheriff Street is located adjacent to the IFSC and the docklands, both symbols of Irish affluence. Yet the development of Sheriff Street has been totally neglected," he said.
"The area is prone to high unemployment, poor facilities for young and old, and an appalling physical infrastructure and the easy availability of drugs."
Mr McCarthy is the 14th gangland murder victim this year -- while two other men are missing, believed dead.
His killing has been linked to a local feud which started when notorious drug dealer Christy Griffin, from Canon Lillis Avenue, was charged with raping his partner's daughter over several years.
Local crime factions in Sheriff Street split over the sx attacks and began targeting each other -- some supporting the victim and others Griffin. He was found guilty and jailed for life in April 2007.
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