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11th May 2022

Gardaí have open mind on motive for “violent and traumatic” murder of Lisa Thompson

Dave Hanratty

Carlow burglary

“Lisa was a 52-year-old woman, she was well known in her local community, which is shocked over the violent and traumatic death.”

Gardaí investigating the murder of Lisa Thompson have said they are keeping an open mind with regards to the circumstances surrounding the incident.

Shortly before 3.30pm on Tuesday (10 May), Gardaí were alerted to the discovery of the body of a woman in a house in Sandyhill Gardens in Ballymun, Dublin 11.

The woman, named as 52-year-old Lisa Thompson, had been the subject of a serious physical assault and had suffered significant injuries as a result.

As of Wednesday afternoon, the scene at Sandyhill Gardens remains preserved to allow for an ongoing technical and forensic examination.

Thompson’s body was taken to the city morgue in Whitehall on Tuesday evening, while a post-mortem examination commenced on Wednesday morning.

A senior investigating officer has been assigned to oversee the case. Speaking on Wednesday, Superintendent Darren McCarthy of Ballymun Garda Station said that all lines of enquiry will be followed.

“Lisa was a 52-year-old woman, she was well-known in her local community, which is shocked over the violent and traumatic death of Lisa,” said McCarthy.

“An Garda Síochána continues to investigate all the circumstances of this murder and we continue to examine all lines of enquiry and have an open mind as to the motive for this attack at this time.”

Superintendent McCarthy thanked the local community for its assistance and cooperation thus far, and has appealed to the public for further help on the matter.

“I appeal to anyone with information on this violent murder to contact us at Ballymun Garda Station,” said McCarthy. “No matter how insignificant you think it may be, we need to hear from you. Lisa’s death occurred sometime before the discovery of her body in her home yesterday at 3.30pm.

“In particular, I am appealing to any person with information on Lisa’s movements from Saturday, 7 May up to Tuesday, 10 May to contact us. I am also appealing for any person with any video footage from the Sandyhill area of Ballymun and the surrounding roads of Marewood Crescent, Ballbutcher Lane for that period of time to contact investigating Gardaí.”

Anyone with relevant information is asked to make contact with Ballymun Garda Station on 01 666 4400, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station.

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