Gardai investigating the killing of Sean McCarthy have found what they suspect is the murder weapon.
Sources said officers have recovered a gun that is now undergoing forensic analysis to confirm if it was used to shoot him at an apartment in Drumcondra, North Dublin.
The body of McCarthy, 28, who was a known low-level drug dealer, was discovered at the property on Achill Road on Saturday – five days after he was reported missing.
Read more: Fears Drumcondra body was dead in apartment for several days
The firearm, understood to be a handgun, was recovered from the nearby canal following an intensive search by the Garda Sub-Aqua Unit.
And now, in a twist in the case, sources said gardai believe McCarthy may have attempted to recover money he was owed over drugs when he met his fate.
It had been thought he had attempted to resolve a drug debt he had owed – but gardai now understand it was the other way around.
Insiders also say detectives are now probing if the victim was under pressure with his own debt and he went to the Drumcondra area to get the outstanding money he was owed.
But a dispute is believed to have occurred between him and the other party and it resulted in McCarthy being shot dead. A man who was arrested in Ballymun, North Dublin, following the discovery of the body, remained in custody last night.
He can be questioned for up to seven days before gardai must decide upon charging him or releasing him. It is suspected McCarthy may have lain dead in the Drumcondra apartment since last Tuesday.
Following a missing persons appeal by gardai, officers were led to the shocking discovery on Saturday. A murder investigation was launched and an incident room has been set up in a Garda station in Ballymun.
Read more: Brother of murdered Jennifer Poole speaks of heartbreak at her child's birthday
When McCarthy failed to make contact with family and friends for days despite public appeals for information, fears grew that he was in danger. Those concerns were proved chillingly accurate
In an appeal on social media, his sister Nicola McCarthy said: “My brother Sean is missing since Tuesday, August 2 just after 4pm. His last known location was Drumcondra.
“If anyone has seen Sean or heard from him since that day could you please get in contact. He was last seen wearing black shorts and a grey T-shirt, black training runners.
“This is not like him and we are worried sick. Anyone knows anything at all please get in contact with me.”
As the news emerged of McCarthy’s death, tributes poured out on social media.
One friend wrote: “Absolutely no words, just shocking Sean McCarthy rest in perfect paradise. Look over your family and friends at this devastating time they need it.
“Hold your loved ones extra tight. You just don’t know when their last words to you are. Rest in peace BIG MAC.”
Another pal wrote: “Thinking of my friend Nicole and the McCarthy/Duffy family at this devastating time.
“You couldn’t be around Sean McCarthy without a giggle the life & soul of any party RIP Sean you won’t be forgotten.”
In a statement a garda spokesman said detectives were investigating “all of the circumstances” surrounding the discovery of the body.
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