The grieving family of Sandra Boyd has been hit by yet another tragedy after her cousin was found dead earlier this week.
Thomas Boyd’s body was found in a tent in Dublin’s city centre in the early hours of Monday.
Gardai are investigating the circumstances of his death after his remains were discovered at Loftus Lane at around 3am.
The Boyd family were informed later that day only as they continued to try to come to terms with Sandra’s death in Finglas, west Dublin on Saturday.
READ MORE: Gardai launch probe after body found in laneway in Dublin city centre
A local source said: “News began to emerge on Monday morning that this man was a cousin of Sandra’s. They’re very well known in the community so people are just heartbroken for them.”
On Monday, the Irish Mirror reported how Sandra’s 19-year-old cousin Josh Boyd was killed on New Year’s Day this year after the bike he was riding struck a lamp post while travelling on Sillogue Road in Ballymun, Dublin.
The homeless charity A Lending Hand is to hold a vigil in memory of Thomas outside the Dail on Thursday evening.
Meanwhile, a 27-year-old man is continuing to be held in custody over Sandra’s killing. She was shot once in the chest as she and a number of others attended a gathering at her parents’ home in Collins Place, Finglas, west Dublin.
Investigators believe she may have been blasted by accident as she tried to disarm the gunman.
The suspect is understood to have presented himself to St James’ Hospital on Sunday. Detectives then moved on him the following day and arrested him.
He is being held at Finglas Garda Station and is being formally questioned on suspicion of murder.
On Monday, Sandra’s partner Darren Noonan revealed his pain at her death.
On social media, he wrote: “There is no one in this world like her. Love her so so much.”
Sandra and Darren had welcomed their little baby girl just over a year and a half ago.
As gardai continue to unravel the events of Saturday’s killing, they are appealing for information.
A spokesman: “We are also appealing for any person driving the area of Collins Park, Ballygall Road West or any adjacent/ surrounding roads between 8pm and 9pm, particularly drivers of any vehicle or other roads users who may have video footage [dashcam, GoPro or other?] to contact investigating gardai.”
Cops can be contacted at Finglas Garda station 01 666 7500, the Confidential Line on 1800 666 111 or any Garda station.
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