''Keane was a child, a young boy, trying to find his way in life''.
Gardaí have slammed the murder of teenager Keane Mulready-Woods as “savage”, “shocking” and “unacceptable”.
Human remains found in a bag in North Dublin on Monday have been confirmed to be those of of the 17-year-old via DNA testing.
They also suspect that further remains, thought to be a head, found in a burnt out car could belong to the deceased, but are awaiting further DNA results.
In a statement An Garda Síochána said: ''This is a brutal and savage attack on a child and is completely unacceptable in any normal democratic society.
''The level of violence is shocking and the investigation into the murder of Keane is being co-ordinated from Drogheda Garda Station.
''It is important to remember that Keane was a child, a young boy, trying to find his way in life, he has now lost his life and his family have lost their loved son and brother''.
Speaking before the identity was confirmed, Taoiseach Leo Varadkar said: “It’s something that’s really shocking. It’s grotesque. It’s gruesome, it’s macabre.”
Gardaí are investigating links with the vicious Drogheda feud, which has now claimed three lives since last August, with the murder of a child marking an “escalation” in violence.
Investigators are making the following appeals:
• Information from anyone who has knowledge of Keane's movements from when he was last seen on Sunday 12th January 2020 at approximately 6pm in the vicinity of Dominic’s Bridge, Drogheda.
• Information or dashcam footage from anyone in the Moatview Drive, Moatview Gardens, Dublin 17 area on Monday 13th January 2020 from 9pm – 10pm
• Information on the movements of a blue Volvo S40 bearing false registration plates 141 MO 1925 which was abandoned and set on fire in the Trinity Terrace, Dublin 3 area on the morning of Wednesday 15th January at approximately 1.30am.
• Information on the whereabouts of a blue Volvo S40, 161 D 48646, which was the subject of an unauthorised taking from Sandymount, Co. Dublin on 15th December 2019.
• Information on the clothing Keane was wearing at the time he went missing.
Any person with information can contact Gardaí at Drogheda Garda Station on 041 9874200, the Garda Confidential Line 1800 666 111, Crime Stoppers 1800 250 025 or any Garda station.
