A suspect remains in custody.
Gardaí are investigating the possibility of additional victims in connection with the murders of Aidan Moffitt and Michael Snee in Sligo in recent days.
On Tuesday (12 April), Gardaí opened an investigation in relation to the murder of 42-year-old Aidan Moffitt.
Gardaí were called to a house at Cartron Heights at around 8.30pm on Monday evening, where the body of Moffitt had been discovered, having received “significant physical injuries”.
On Tuesday night, Gardaí were called to an apartment at Connaughton Road at approximately 10.30pm, where the body of 58-year-old Michael Snee was discovered.
Snee had also received significant physical injuries.
Following local enquiries, Gardaí assisted by the Armed Support Unit arrested a man in his early 20s in Sligo Town on suspicion of murder in the early hours of Wednesday morning.
According to the Irish Independent, Snee’s body was discovered by two of his teenage nieces after he failed to respond to texts and calls from his family.
The Independent also reports that Gardaí are looking for more possible victims, noting that there is a concern that young men who may have been attacked, stalked or harassed in Sligo are too scared to report their experiences.
It is also understood that the detained suspect, who is still being questioned as of Thursday morning, provoked fears that another murder may have taken place.
Reached for comment, Gardaí provided no further updates to JOE at this time.
Speaking on Wednesday morning, Chief Superintendent of Sligo Garda Station Aidan Glacken said that “another recent incident” was under examination.
“We continue to explore all the circumstances of these cases and are examining another recent incident which occurred in the Sligo area,” said Glacken.
“I am appealing to any person who may have been subject of any unwanted approaches or who was assaulted or otherwise attacked to contact the incident room at Sligo Garda Station.
“I have a dedicated diversity team here, we need to hear from you, we are here to listen to you and we are here to support you.”
Superintendent Glacken noted that Gardaí are actively investigating as to whether there is any hate-related motive to the murders of Aidan Moffitt and Michael Snee.
Speaking on Morning Ireland on RTÉ Radio 1, James O’Hagan of LGBT Ireland said the reaction of the gay community in Ireland is one of “absolute disbelief” and a “sense that we have somewhat been transported back in time”.
Asked if people are frightened, O’Hagan replied “absolutely”, before highlighting a “growing trend” of violence and hate towards the gay community in Ireland.
The LGBT helpline has seen a notable increase in the number of people making contact in relation to violence over the past few years.
“What we’re very concerned about is the number of people who aren’t reporting to us or to the Gardaí,” noted O’Hagan, who encouraged anyone who has experienced any form of prejudice or hatred to make contact on 1800 929 539.
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