Investigations into the death of 89-year-old widow Josie Ray in Co Tipperary, conducted by the Gardaí, will see a file prepared for the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP). This follows the release without charges of a middle-aged man taken in for questioning about the crime. A midday statement by the Gardaí announces the man’s release.
However, a female in her 50s, also arrested last Friday, remains in custody at a Garda station in Co Tipperary. Both individuals were acquainted with the victim, Ms Ray, who was a mother of five, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Residing at St Joseph’s Park, Nenagh, in north Tipperary, Ms. Ray was a familiar face in her community.
On Sunday, a family member discovered Ms Ray lifeless in her home and promptly sought emergency assistance. On-scene medical authorities declared Ms Ray dead, leading to an immediate sequester of the scene by the Gardaí. Assistance from the State Pathologist’s Office and the Garda National Technical Bureau was commandeered.
A subsequent autopsy by Deputy State Pathologist Dr Yvonne McCartney confirmed her cause of death was asphyxiation, launching a police-led murder investigation.
Door-to-door enquiries commenced in St Joseph’s Park, coupled with solicitation of local homes and businesses for any CCTV footage that could identify potential suspects. It was determined by Garda technical experts that Ms Rays’ terraced two-storey home exhibited no signs of forced entry, leading to the theory she may have known her assailants and possibly invited them in.
Confirmation came from the Gardaí that they’re following a promising lead in the investigation, with whispers from Garda sources that arrests might be imminent.
Ms Ray was laid to rest at Killodiernan Cemetery, located near Carney her birthplace in north Tipperary, a mere few hours after the arrests. Her funeral mass took place at St Mary of the Rosary Church in Nenagh.