The heartbroken younger brother of tragic George Nkencho - who was shot dead by armed gardai in Dublin almost two years ago - has paid tribute to his slain brother on what would have been his 29th birthday by asking him to keep watching over and protecting his family.
Mr Nkencho, 27, was fatally wounded by gardai following a stand-off outside his family home in Clonee, west Dublin on Wednesday, December 30, 2020.
He was shot dead by the Garda Armed Support Unit outside his family home after he had allegedly assaulted a shop worker in a nearby supermarket. Gardai were called after that earlier incident.
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It continued through a housing estate and towards the Nkencho family home during which gardai said pepper spray and Tasers were deployed in a bid to subdue him.
Mr Nkencho, who had no previous criminal convictions, was armed with a kitchen knife at the time and had, his family has said, been suffering from mental health issues in the preceding months.
George’s younger brother, Emmanuel, 21, has now paid tribute to him on what would have been his 29th birthday.
Taking to social media at the weekend, Emmanuel posted a photograph of himself standing beside George’s white coffin and a second image of when they were younger.
He captioned the images with “Happy birthday George. It would have been your 29th birthday today.”
He also said the tragic passing of George hasn’t got any easier and asked him to “keep watching” over his family and protecting them.
“This sh*t hasn’t got any easier. I miss you more and more everyday. Keep watching over us and keep protecting us. I love you,” Emmanuel wrote.
In line with protocol, An Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission was assigned to investigate the circumstances of his death.
In a statement, GSOC said: “While good progress has been made towards its completion, GSOC’s investigation into the death of Mr George Nkencho remains open.”
GSOC investigators have prepared a draft investigative report which has now been submitted for external peer review and legal review.
“On foot of these reviews, GSOC will consider any further action necessary before the report is completed and submitted to the Commission for determination,” GSOC said.
“As this process remains ongoing, GSOC will not be providing any further comment at this time.”
An inquest has been repeatedly adjourned pending the conclusion of an inquiry by GSOC.
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