Gardaí investigating Jastine Valdez murder discover note by suspected killer in car used for abduction

Detectives believe the victim may have been killed within 45 minutes of being abducted.

Gardaí are reportedly examining a note found in the black Nissan Qashqai that was used in the abduction of Jastine Valdez in an attempt to establish a motive. Valdez was abducted close to her home in Enniskerry on Saturday evening. Eyewitnesses to the abduction saw her being bundled into a Nissan Qashqai on the R760 Kilcrony road near her home in Enniskerry at a 6.45pm on Saturday evening. The car was spotted by a member of the public at the business park in Cherrywood on Sunday evening; when Gardaí approached the man they discovered he was armed with a knife, and he was subsequently shot and killed. As reported by RTE News, detectives believe that the victim was murdered within 45 minutes of being abducted, but are waiting for the post mortem to determine a cause of death. The suspected killer, Mark Hennessy, was a 40-year-old father of two, who had a previous conviction for assault a number of years ago. Gardaí are still trying to establish a motive for the attack and are currently treating it as random and opportunist. Speaking to JOE, Gardaí investigating the case would like to make a further appeal to the public. They would like to appeal for anyone who was in the vicinity of Pucks Castle Lane, Murphy’s Lane or using Carrickgollogan Forest Recreation Area, or anyone who was in the vicinity of the Lead Mines in Kiltiernan from Saturday 19 May at 6pm to Sunday 20 May at 8pm who may have seen anything suspicious and in particular a Black Nissan Qashqai 171 D 20419. They are also seeking assistance from hill-walkers or cyclists or anyone who may have driven through these locations and may be in possession of a dashcam that was operating during this timeframe to contact Bray Garda Station 01-6665300 the Garda Confidential Line 1800 666 111 or any Garda Station.