The teenage suspect being quizzed on suspicion of murdering a man handed himself into a garda station this morning, we can reveal.
The 17-year-old is being questioned by detectives leading the probe into the death of Aaron Keating, who was stabbed twice on the main street of Ongar in west Dublin on Tuesday evening. The investigation centres around a verbal row between the victim and a group of young men.
The altercation escalated, a knife was pulled and the victim was stabbed. The Irish Mirror learned that a suspect arrested this morning handed himself into a garda station in the company of an older relative.
It is understood that he is not from the Ongar area. Gardai are examining footage they obtained of the incident.
Read more: First picture released of Ongar victim Aaron Keating as murder probe launched
A garda spokesman said: "Gardai in Blanchardstown arrested a male juvenile (teens) on suspicion of murder following a fatal assault which occurred in Ongar on Tuesday evening, June 13, 2023. The juvenile is currently detained under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act 1984 at a Garda Station in West Dublin."
A vigil has been organised for this evening by residents of Ongar in memory of Mr Keating. Deirdre Smyth took to social media to pay tribute to him.
She said: "So sorry to hear the sad news about Aaron Keating.
"Harmless guy liked by all I hope justice is served to the scum that took his life.
"A vigil in Ongar at 7pm tonight for his loss thinking of his family and friends and all who had the privilege of meeting him."
Another read: "In memory of Aaron Keating whose life was so cruelly robbed of him last night in Ongar. Aaron was a well-liked lad and was such a harmless soul, he loved when you would say ah hi Aaron to him how are you? RIP to him and deepest condolences to the Keating Family."
The investigation is being led by Blanchardstown Garda Station, where an incident room has been established under the direction of a Senior Investigating Officer. A liaison officer has been appointed to Mr Keating's family.
A post-mortem is being carried out by the State Pathologist later this afternoon.
A spokesman said: "Gardai are continuing to appeal for any persons with information in relation to this incident to come forward and any road users with video footage (including dash cam) is asked to make this available to them.
"Investigating Gardai are appealing to any persons who were in the vicinity of Main Street, Ongar this evening, Tuesday, June 13, 2023, between 6.30pm and 7pm to contact them at Blanchardstown Garda station on 01 666 7000, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda station."
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