Woman knifed man to death ‘because he parked in her space’
A MAN was stabbed to death by a 38-year-old mother-ofthree yesterday – and it is believed she launched the attack because he had parked in a car space assigned to her home.
The man was attacked as he attempted to jump-start his car and go to work, having stayed overnight at his girlfriend’s house in Kingswood, Clondalkin, southwest Dublin.
The victim was named locally as Gareth Kelly, 38, from Donomore Park in Tallaght, south Dublin.
His suspected attacker is a married stay-at-home mother, and it is believed she is suffering from mental health problems. It is understood she stabbed him at least three times in the chest at 7am as he attempted to jump start his car.
The pair are not known to one another, and the suspect was arrested near the scene a short time later. Detectives suspect the attack stemmed from the ‘minor infraction’ of Mr Kelly parking his car in the wrong space.
The man had been staying with his partner in the Browns Barnwood estate, which is a small cul-de-sac. It is understood he stayed in the estate a couple of nights a week.
The victim’s car would not start when he came out to go to work at 7am. He had opened the bonnet and was trying to start the vehicle when he was attacked and stabbed by the woman a number of times.
She is believed to have used a kitchen knife in the unprompted attack.
Mr Kelly collapsed between two cars and died on the street. His body was removed from the scene and a postmortem was under way yesterday.
The suspect was undergoing psychiatric evaluation following her arrest on suspicion of murder. It is understood there is evidence that the woman is suffering from mental health problems and she was judged to be not medically fit for interview for several hours after her arrest.
The woman has previously contacted gardaí complaining about children causing disturbances in the estate.
A source said: ‘This attack possibly stems from a car parking issue.
‘But, of course, stabbing someone to death over a car parking space is by no means a sane thing to do. Mental health issues are at play with this woman.’
Detectives are not looking for anyone else in what they describe as a ‘bizarre and shocking’ murder.
Gardaí have appealed for anyone who was in the Browns Barnwood estate between 6am and 7am yesterday, or who might have dashcam footage or information, to contact them at Clondalkin Garda Station on 01 666 7600, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda station.
ali.bracken@dailymail.ie
‘Bizarre and shocking’