The shocking case of a 31-year-old man from Dublin, who was run over and dragged down a road, has resulted in an unlawful killing verdict by a jury. Stephen Lynch, originally from Tallaght but living in Saggart at the time of the accident, was tragically hit by a silver Ford Focus in the Brookview Close area of Tallaght on April 13, 2017, and subsequently declared dead at the location. The investigation into Mr Lynch’s death remains open, as no charges have been filed so far.
The inquiry at Dublin District Coroner’s Court on Thursday revealed that investigations conducted by Garda encountered resistance from witnesses. According to Garda Christina Lawless, they believe that the community in Brookview fears the suspects in the case. These individuals, identified as “persons of interest,” are suspected of being hardened criminals with an intimidating reputation.
After the cold case re-examination of Mr Lynch’s death began last year, these persons of interest, who had been noticeably absent from the area, suddenly re-emerged in Brookview. Garda Lawless suggested that this could be their subtle way of reminding the community of their presence. Many people were reluctant to participate in the investigation.
The court was told that on the fateful day, Mr Lynch had a conversation with unidentified persons in the Ford Focus. The car backed up before accelerating towards him, knocking him down and trapping him underneath. Mr Lynch was subsequently dragged for over 16 meters along the road. Following this, the individuals in the Ford Focus escaped the area in a different car, a burgundy VW Polo, which was later found abandoned in Drimnagh.
Garda officials informed the court that early narratives from the incident hint at an intentional act, indicating Mr Lynch was purposely run over. Forensic automobile collision investigator in retirement, Garda Edward Davin, agreed with Aedan McGovern SC, representing Mr Lynch’s mother, Vera, that whoever commandeered the vehicle would undoubtedly be aware of someone being pinned beneath the car.
Many individuals relating to Mr Lynch’s demise were apprehended, held in custody, and interrogated. But, every one of them chose to remain silent during the questioning, according to a report by Garda Lawless to the court.
In the aftermath of the preliminary probes into Mr Lynch’s departure, Garda officials compiled a file that was forwarded to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), proposing that the indirect evidence at hand could potentially lead to a murder charge.
Despite this, the DPP decided against pressing murder charges, citing that the presented evidence fell short to convincingly argue that Mr Lynch’s death was intentional. As a result, they launched an examination of cold cases in July 2021. A second file was later forwarded to the DPP, but prosecution was again not authorised.
Mr Lynch’s death was officially stated as a result of cranial trauma induced by a car accident.
The announcement of the verdict by the inquest jury citing unlawful death caused Mr Lynch’s family members to applaud prior to tearfully hugging one another.
Addressing the media outside the courtroom, Vera Lynch conveyed her hope that this verdict would symbolise “the inaugural move towards getting justice for Stephen.”
Ms Lynch went on to label those who refused to aid the investigation led by the garda as “cowards”.
“May this calamity never knock on your door,” she declared.