Gardai now fear they will never know why suspected killer Kieran Hamill brutally murdered sex offender Chris Mooney in his own home, it emerged last night.
A source said: “Hamill took his secrets with him to the grave” – as the families of both men prepare for their separate funerals later today.
The Irish Mirror has established that gardai probing Thursday’s horror attack in Co Monaghan have found no evidence that Hamill, 37, disclosed abuse by Mooney to anyone.
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The insider added: “There were no complaints made to gardai and there is nothing at this stage to suggest that he confided in any family or friends.
“There is lots of speculation, but we have to go on evidence and we have nothing on any allegations from Hamill about Mooney.
“We may never know., Hamill took his secrets to the grave and so did Mooney.
“There is no doubt that there was some personal grudge – burglary has been ruled out as a motive.
“But it is possible we will never know why.”
Gardai are still waiting on forensic tests to confirm who killed Mooney, 60, in his Broomfield, Castleblayney home.
But sources have said there is little doubt it was Hamill, who was from Culloville which is just over the border in Co Armagh.
The scene was so bloody that it was initially suspected Mooney – who served jail time for the repeated sexual abuse of a boy almost 20 years ago – had been stabbed. But it is now understood he was beaten to death with a weapon.
The killer, who matched the general description of Hamill, was disturbed by Mooney’s brother Peter and shouted “he had it coming” before fleeing.
Around 20 minutes later, Hamill was killed instantly as he walked on a border road – away from Castleblayney and towards Culloville. Sources said once forensic results were back later this week, the tests would link Hamill to the gruesome killing of Mooney.
And that would mean both the killer and victim are confirmed dead – which would see the case closed.
Instead of a criminal investigation, gardai would prepare a file for the coroner for an inquest into their deaths.
It’s understood, however, gardai will still carry out an investigation into the crash that cost Hamill his life.
He was struck by a car on the Ballynacarry Bridge at around 6.45am – 25 minutes after the suspected murderer was disturbed at Mooney’s house.
As gardai continue their investigations, both men will be buried after separate funeral services later today.
Hamill’s Requiem Mass takes place at St Patrick’s Church, Crossmaglen, Co Armagh at 11am. He will be buried in the adjoining cemetery. And Mooney’s funeral will take place at the same time at St Patrick’s Church, Broomfield.
He will also be buried in the cemetery adjoining that church.
Hamill was before the courts on
a number of charges – including one of allegedly assaulting a serving Garda.
He was accused of attacking the officer in Dundalk, Co Louth on May 30 – the same time he allegedly assaulted a woman.
He was also accused of issuing threats on the same day.
Hamill was also charged with the serious public order charge of affray relating to an alleged incident in Castleblayney on St Stephen’s Day
last year.
If convicted of the offences, he faced the prospect of up to five years in jail. Sources say his mental health had deteriorated dramatically in recent weeks.
Mooney, who was jailed in 2003 for sex assaults, had become a recluse in recent years.
In 2014 he was held captive in his own house by two males, but nobody was ever charged.
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