Murder in Co Meath linked to Kinahan/Hutch feud
A MAN whose body was found dumped in a field yesterday is believed to be the latest victim in the bloody feud between the Kinahan drugs cartel and the Hutch gang.
The man was in his 20s was found shot dead in a field between Leixlip and Dunboyne yesterday afternoon. The man has not been identified. However, gardai believe that he was the 12th victim of the feud.
The young man, who was known to gardai, had been warned that his life was in danger. Earlier this year, gardai prevented an attempt on his life, when they arrested a man in West Dublin with a handgun, whom they believe was about to target the young man.
A relative of the dead man was killed in the Kinahan/ Hutch feud last year. He had been investigated in connection with an ammunitions stash discovered by gardai in West Dublin and he had been charged in connection with the find.
The man is believed to have left his home last Friday evening and was reported missing by his partner when he failed to return. Reports claimed that the man’s car was found in Leixlip. Gardai are investigating whether he was lured out by his killers. It is believed he was shot in the head.
Gardai have not released the man’s identity. A statement said: “Gardai in Ashbourne are investigating all of the circumstances surrounding the discovery of a body of a man in his 20s in Co Meath. The man’s body was discovered this morning in a field at Walterstown, Dunboyne near the Meath/Kildare border.
The scene of the murder was sealed off last night as the Garda Technical Bureau and the State Pathologist conducted their investigations. The murder investigation is being led by gardai in Ashbourne, Co Meath.
The Kinahan/Hutch feud has claimed 12 victims since violence erupted almost two years ago.
Earlier this month, gardai told Dublin City Councillors that more than 45,000 Garda checkpoints have been carried out in response to the Kinahan-Hutch feud.
They have made 101 arrests and 281 searches.