Three young men arrested in Dublin murder probe released
Josh Itseli, who was due before the courts on drug dealing charges, was shot dead with a high-powered AR-15 assault rifle. Picture: Facebook
The three males arrested in connection with the killing of 20-year-old Josh Itseli in Dublin on Bank Holiday Monday have been released without charge.
The three males — one teenager and two men in their 20s — had been arrested after the shooting on Knocknarea Road, Drimnagh, and were detained at Garda Stations in the Dublin Region under Section 30 of the Offences Against the State Act, 1939.
A file will now be prepared for the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP). Investigations remain ongoing, gardaí said.
It is understood that the men were known to Mr Itseli.
It is understood that Mr Itseli, who was due before the courts on drug dealing charges, was shot dead with a high-powered AR-15 assault rifle after the stolen car he was travelling in was rammed by another vehicle.
One of the men in his 20s is a violent criminal who was recently before the courts for a serious assault on a female but who was out on bail — despite grave garda objections — at the time of Mr Itseli's killing.
Gardaí are investigating whether Mr Itseli and his associates may have been planning a pipe bomb attack in the area when they were intercepted by rivals.
A statement from gardaí also said an autopsy has been completed. They said the results are not being released for operational purposes.
Gardaí have reissued their appeal for witnesses to come forward.
They are particularly interested in information around a black Talaria Sting electric motorbike, which is understood to have been used in connection with the incident.
They said the electric motorbike was observed in the vicinity of Dolphin Road, Crumlin Road and Davitt Road on Sunday night and into the early hours of Monday morning.
“Gardai are appealing to anyone who may have observed a black Talaria Sting electric motorbike in the vicinity of Dolphin Road in recent days,” they said.
“The motorbike has been seized by investigating gardaí, who are also seeking the rightful owner of the vehicle.
“Gardai are also appealing to any taxi drivers, public service vehicle (PSV) drivers and any motorists who observed pedestrians, or who may have been approached by pedestrians, on Davitt Road in the early hours of Monday morning, May 6 2024.
“Anyone with any information that can assist gardaí with their investigation is asked to contact Sundrive Road Garda Station on 01 666 6600, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111 or any Garda station.”
