‘MURDER-SUICIDE’ MOTIVE A MYSTERY
» Gardai search for clues behind deaths » Postmortems ‘not being released’
Claire Collins, 51, was mum-of-two
INVESTIGATORS believe they may never find out why Joe Collins murdered his wife Claire before killing himself.
Gardai are now treating the deaths of the married couple, whose remains were found at their home in Co Clare this week, as a murder-suicide.
It has been confirmed that the deaths were suspicious and there was no third party involvement.
The local community is still in shock at the deaths of the couple who outwardly seemed to be perfectly happy.
Joe, 54, and his 51-year-old wife lived in a detached bungalow in a rural area and were deemed to be pillars of the community.
There is a deep sense of bewilderment and sadness in the Kilnaboy-corofin area following the discovery of two bodies at the family home Kilnaboy on Thursday afternoon.
Gardai are checking to see if there is any evidence as to why the popular cycling enthusiast killed his wife and then took his own life.
As gardai are satisfied that no one else is involved, they are preparing a file for the Coroner’s Office as there will be no prosecution.
Ms Collins’ body was discovered inside the bungalow while the remains of her husband were found outside of the property.
Postmortems on both bodies have taken place but the results are “not being released for operational reasons”.
Initial tests at the scene were completed by the Assistant State Pathologist, Dr Margot Bolster, on Friday evening but gardai say they are not releasing the findings at present.
The families of the deceased are being kept informed of any developments and a liaison officer has been appointed to assist them.
Funeral arrangements have now been made. They will repose at St Brigid’s Church in Corofin today from 5pm with
prayers at 7.30pm. Requiem Mass will take place at 11am tomorrow followed by a cremation service at Shannon Crematorium at 2pm.
The well-known couple are survived by their adult daughters Sara and Tara, and their grandson Rian.
While murder-suicides are comparatively rare in this county, there have been around 30 such cases since 2000.
Gardai are appealing for anyone who may have information to contact them.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Ennis Garda Station on 065 684 8100 the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda station.