LAST UPDATE | 16 Nov 2018
GARDAÍ INVESTIGATING THE fatal shooting of a man shot dead in Leixlip last night are appealing for witnesses to contact them.
Clive Staunton (50) was shot outside a house on Glen Easton Way in the Co Kildare town at around 9.15pm.
While the investigation is at a very early stage, gardaí are investigating if the street trader was targeted because of familial links to Patsy Hutch – the brother of Gerry ‘The Monk’ Hutch.
Staunton is believed to be the 18th murder victim of the Kinahan/Hutch feud.
He was treated at the scene for serious injuries but later pronounced dead.
Staunton’s body has been removed to the City Morgue where a post-mortem examination will take place this afternoon. A Garda technical examination is taking place at the scene.
Appeal
Gardaí are asking anyone who saw Staunton or his van, a white Mercedes sprinter with a registration of 96-D-22788, which has a distinctive red stripe on both sides, between Bath Avenue in Dublin 4 and Leixlip between 8pm and 9.15pm to contact them.
Gardaí wish to speak to anyone who was in the Glen Easton estate between 8.30pm and 9.30pm to contact gardaí at Leixlip Garda Station.
They are also appealing for information on the movement of a silver/grey Volvo S40 between Leixlip and Manor Kilbride, Co Wicklow.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Leixlip Garda Station on 666 7800, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda station.
Earlier today, Fianna Fáil’s Justice Spokesperson, Jim O’Callaghan, described last night’s murder as “callous and braven”.
He said, “Since this feud first erupted, the gardai have done remarkable work in their attempt to contain threats and violence. On many occasions, their work has successfully intercepted plots to carry out murder and other vicious crimes on our streets.
“One of the main reasons for that has been the increase in Garda presence in the communities’ worst affected. The Government must do its utmost to ensure that adequate resources and overtime for Gardaí are maintained.
“Last night’s murder was a particularly callous and brazen crime. This victim appears to have been targeted despite detectives confirming that he had no involvement in criminality or link to gangland associates.
“The fact that a man living in a quiet family estate could be attacked and killed yards from his doorstep sets a new precedent. The fight against organised crime and those inflicting terror in the capital and now the satellite towns surrounding it must be ramped up.”
With reporting by Garreth MacNamee and Hayley Halpin
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