Tributes have been paid to the man who died after he fled the scene of a gruesome murder - as detective try to establish a motive for the frenzied attack.
Sources have also told the Irish Mirror that gardai are also trying to find a connection between murdered sex offender Chris Mooney and Kieran Hamill – who was hit by a car as he escaped from the scene of the killing on Thursday morning.
Although Mr Mooney – who was repeatedly stabbed in the brutal attack in his home in Co Monaghan - had previously been convicted to sexually abusing a boy almost 20 years ago, sources have confirmed that Mr Hamill, 37, was not the victim.
They also said gardai were unaware of any complaint made by Mr Hamill – from nearby Culloville in Co Armagh – about Mr Mooney, 60.
“There may have been something in the past there, but no complaint had ever been made,” a source said last night.
“And because both parties are now dead, we may never get to the bottom of what happened.”
But the sources also said investigators had ruled out burglary as a motive – and they are satisfied Mr Hamill deliberately targeted Mr Mooney.
Officers are officially waiting for tests to establish a link between Mr Hamill and the murder, but sources say there is no doubt he was the killer.
And they suspect he attacked Mr Mooney – found dead at his isolated him in Broomfield just outside Castleblayney by his brother at around 6.20am on Thursday – because of a personal grudge.
“This was not a burglary gone wrong,” a source said.
“It was a deliberate attack.”
Mr Mooney, who was jailed in the noughties for a series of sex attacks on a young boy, was repeatedly stabbed in his own home in what sources said was a bloodbath scene.
Gardai believe Mr Hamill then fled the scene on foot – before he was killed in a road accident around one kilometre away.
He was struck by a car as he walked on the narrow Ballynacarry Bridge that connects Monaghan to Armagh.
Sources say the killer was disturbed by Mr Mooney’s brother and shouted “He had it comeing” before he fled.
We have also learned that Mr Hamill, who was facing charges of affray, threats and assault, had suffered a mental health crisis in recent weeks.
“He was in a bad way,” one source said last night.
Gardai last night confirmed that Mr Mooney was murdered, but did not release details for operational reasons.
We have learned, however, that he had been repeatedly stabbed.
Mr Hamill’s death notice was published yesterday – and his funeral arrangements will be finalised in the coming days.
But more than 100 people went online yesterday to pay tribute to him – and offer his family their condolences.
One said: “So sorry to hear of the death of Kieran in such tragic circumstances. May he rest in heavenly peace. My condolences to the entire family I’m thinking of you all.”
Another said: “Deepest condolences to the entire family circle. May Kieran now rest in peace.”
And another said: “Fly high with the Angels Kieran.”
Gardai made a fresh appeal for witnesses to come forward.
A spokesman said: “Gardaí continue to investigate the murder of Christopher Mooney, 60 years, that occurred at his home at Knockreagh Lower, Broomfield, Co. Monaghan, on Thursday morning 1st December, 2022.
“The post mortem has been completed, the results of which will not be disclosed for operational reasons but An Garda Síochána can confirm Christopher Mooney suffered a violent death.
“Investigations are ongoing under the direction of a Senior Investigating Officer based at Castleblayney. A Family Liaison Officer has been appointed and continues to keep the family informed of this investigation.
“Gardaí continue to appeal for anyone who was in the Broomfield area between 5:00am and 6:45am on the morning of Thursday 1st December, 2022 particularly anyone with mobile phone footage or dashcam footage, to contact Castleblayney Garda Station on 042 974 0668 or the Garda Confidential Line on 1800-666-111.”
Funeral arrangements for Mr Mooney have not been published yet.
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