Gardaí begin murder investigation after teenager shot dead at Meath house

Body of Conor O’Brien (19) found with gunshot wound at house in Enfield on Friday

Conor O’Brien (19) was shot dead at a house in Co Meath on Friday. Photograph: An Garda Síochána
Conor O’Brien (19) was shot dead at a house in Co Meath on Friday. Photograph: An Garda Síochána

Gardaí have started a murder investigation after the body of 19-year-old Conor O’Brien was found with a fatal gunshot wound at a house in Co Meath on Friday.

During a briefing for reporters Superintendent Liam Geraghty said Mr O'Brien's body was discovered in "unexplained circumstances" at the back of a house in Enfield at about 8.30am.

He said gardaí were keeping an open mind with regards to the motive for the killing and said that Mr O’Brien was not known to them in anyway. Supt Geraghty added that Mr O’Brien had been due to start a new job shortly.

The body and was examined at the scene by the Chief State Pathologist Linda Mulligan before being removed to Our Lady's Hospital, Navan, where a postmortem was conducted on Saturday.

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Preliminary information supplied by the Chief State Pathologist confirmed Conor O’ Brien suffered a fatal gunshot injury.

No firearm was recovered at the scene.

Mr O'Brien was originally from Gorey, Co Wexford, but had been living in an apartment at the back of a house owned by a family member in Enfield for a number of months.

Investigations have so far established Mr O’Brien had been in contact with a family member at 8pm on Thursday night, while a number of people have confirmed they heard a single “bang” on the same night.

Superintendent Liam Geraghty tells media a murder investigation has begun after the body of 19-year-old Conor O’Brien was found with a fatal gunshot wound at a house in Co Meath on Friday.
Superintendent Liam Geraghty tells media a murder investigation has begun after the body of 19-year-old Conor O’Brien was found with a fatal gunshot wound at a house in Co Meath on Friday.

A senior investigating officer has been appointed and an incident room has been established at Trim Garda station, assisted by the Garda National Bureau of Criminal Investigation.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Trim Garda station on (046) 9481540, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station.

Gardaí are particularly looking to speak to anyone that was on the Trim Road at its junction with Main Street between 8pm Thursday and 7am on Friday.