Dad-of-6 ‘ambushed by gang and stabbed up to 10 times’ near Bray playground as new dispute theory details emerge
GARDAI are probing if a dad-of-six was ambushed by a gang and stabbed before he was found dead in a playground.
A murder investigation is under way following the death of Willie Moorehouse in Bray, Co Wicklow as cops seized a haul of weapons in raids.
Efforts were also being made to stop any potential violence in the wake of Willie’s killing.
The 36-year-old, whose fiancée is a number of months pregnant, was found unresponsive by a dog walker in a play area at Ballywaltrim after 6pm on Sunday evening.
Despite efforts to resuscitate him, Willie was sadly pronounced dead at the scene.
It’s thought he’d stumbled into the area after being attacked nearby.
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He had been stabbed up to ten times to the body and had also suffered visible head injuries.
Detectives believe the murder is linked to a dispute locally in Bray among Travellers and that Willie knew his attackers.
One line of inquiry is he was making his way to an organised fight and was ambushed by a number of men who had emerged from a van, but other theories are also being looked at.
A source told The Irish Sun: “It is a very live investigation and the Gardai are focusing on a number of lines of inquiry.
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“It appears to be all related to a dispute within Bray itself rather than a wider Traveller feud.
“But it is unclear whether his attackers actually meant to kill him — it may well have been the case they went to give him a beating and it got out of hand.
ANSWERS 'LIE WITHIN THE COMMUNITY'
“There are a number of people being looked at and searches were conducted, with weapons seized.
“The answers to all of this lie within the community but Gardai are confident of establishing what happened and the background to the dispute itself.”
There were delays in getting the post-mortem done today, but it is expected to take place on Tuesday. The results of that will further inform the Garda investigation.
With concerns of a backlash over Willie’s death, the Department of Justice-backed Traveller mediation service was brought in and is assisting cops to quell any potential violence.
'CRUEL WORLD'
Tributes poured in for Willie today as people were left devastated over his passing.
His cousin Trisha Ward said: “Cruel world we live in sham rip to my cousin Willie. Hard old life Willie harmless fella you were. Hope u get good bed in heaven.”
His former partner Angela Joyce wrote: “It’s with sadness I have to say this, rest in peace Willie the father of my two young baby girls.
“I can say I spent six lovely years with you and you showed me what a good man is. ‘Til we meet again.”
“It appears to be all related to a dispute within Bray itself rather than a wider Traveller feud."
Source
Zandalee Ward said: “RIP Willie, nice lad you were my condolences to your family at this sad time.”
Meanwhile, Mary Connors posted online: “Don’t know wat the world is coming to, RIP Willy may u get a good bed in heaven and watch over nanny and ur baby.”
SCHOOLS CLOSED
As Garda forensic teams combed the area for evidence on Monday, schools nearby — Bray School Project National School and St Fergal’s National School — were closed, as was the local church.
Officers were also conducting door-to-door inquiries in a bid to gather information.
John Brady, the local Sinn Fein TD, said: “There is genuine shock and concern from this tragedy which has shaken everybody, leaving the entire community heartbroken, angry and unsettled.”
Garda HQ said in a statement that it was investigating “all of the circumstances surrounding the death” of Willie, adding: “Anyone with information is asked to contact Bray Garda Station on 01-6665300 or the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111.”