Gardaí have launched a murder investigation following the death of a man from serious head injuries in south Co Dublin. The body of Mr David Sutherland (54) was found in a laneway early yesterday morning at Pearse Gardens in Sallynoggin.
Treated initially as a suspicious death, his murder was confirmed after a post-mortem investigation by the deputy State pathologist, Dr Marie Cassidy, concluded that he had died from severe head injuries.
Mr Sutherland, who is understood to be a widower with no children, was known to gardaí, but for minor criminal activity.
He was originally from O'Rourke Park in Sallynoggin, near where his body was found, but had lived for a number of years at Sheelin Park, Ballybrack.
Detectives in Dún Laoghaire, who are conducting the investigation have appealed for anyone with information to come forward.
House-to-house inquiries have begun. Supt Donal Neill and Det Supt Oliver Hanley are asking for information from anyone who may have seen Mr Sutherland earlier on Saturday evening in the Sallynoggin/Ballybrack or Dún Laoghaire areas or who witnessed any unusual or suspicious behaviour in and around Pearse Gardens late on Saturday night or early on Sunday morning.
A local resident driving home discovered the body in the laneway of the cul-de-sac at around 1.40 a.m.
The laneway backs onto St Joseph's football grounds and, according to gardaí, the area where he was found would have been quite visible.
The scene was preserved for much of yesterday for forensic checks and the preliminary examination by the deputy State pathologist.
Mr Sutherland's body was removed to Loughlinstown Hospital.
Detectives want to establish Mr Sutherland's movements on Saturday, and believe he may have been in the Ballybrack/Dún Laoghaire and Sallynoggin areas through the day and have travelled on foot or by bus.
An incident room has been opened at Dún Laoghaire Garda Station and anyone with information is asked to contact gardaí there at (01) 666 5000/666 5001.
