The Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission (GSOC) is presently reviewing the triple Garda interactions with Josie Ray, a slain elderly woman from Nenagh in North Tipperary. These incidents, which happened at her Nenagh homestead in St Joseph’s Park, were submitted for evaluation under the direction of Chief Supt Aileen Magner from the Clare and Tipperary area. On the evening of August 3rd, one of the said interactions took place, as policemen responded to reports of “a disturbance” at Ms Ray’s double-story residence. At the scene, Gardaí reportedly communicated with Ms Ray and some others present.
The following day, August 4th, Ms Ray, aged 89, was discovered lifeless when a kin visited the house near noon. Her death was verified on-site. The additional two Garda-Ray interactions had transpired in the months before these events. GSOC officials will assess if the Garda members conducted themselves fittingly during these encounters. Interviews with the Garda involved are anticipated in the subsequent weeks.
The inquiry into Ms Ray’s homicide persists following the release of a man and a woman previously under arrest, without charges. The couple, in their 50s, was apprehended around 2 pm on a Friday and individually escorted to various Garda bureaus in Tipperary under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act. This provision permits the police to retain suspects for nearly a day. Ms Ray, a mother of five and resident of Nenagh for over 50 years, was a familiar face in the local community.
The Director of Public Prosecution will soon receive a report from the Gardaí regarding the tragic slaying of Ms Ray. Authorities have once again urged individuals who may have captured video footage or dashcam evidence from the area of St Joseph’s Park between the hours of 8 p.m. August 3rd and 12 p.m. August 4th to get in touch on 067 50450.
Two accused parties were taken into custody on Friday; merely a few hours following the heartfelt tribute to the late Ms. Ray by her granddaughter, Rosie, at her funeral service in Nenagh’s St Mary of the Rosary Church. Rosie portrayed her grandmother as a woman who loved glamour, had a zest for dancing, and always partook in community events.
Fondly referred to as “the Carney Blonde”, Ms Ray had earlier bid farewell to her loving husband, Paddy, and her daughter, Joan. Her final resting place is the Killodiernan Cemetery, close to the Carney village in north Tipperary where she spent her early years.