Fatal hit and run that killed motorcyclist in Carlow upgraded to murder investigation
Gardaí have launched a murder investigation into the death of a motorcyclist who was killed in a hit and run incident in Carlow last month.
Tom Connors, 35, of Bunclody, Co Wexford, died when the motorbike he was driving collided with a car at around 10.30pm on Wednesday, 24 April.
Gardaí said that following extensive investigations, including technical examinations and a post-mortem on the deceased, a murder investigation has commenced under the direction of a Senior Investigating Officer (SIO) from the Incident Room at Carlow Garda Station.
Gardaí are continuing to appeal to anyone who may have information in relation to the incident to come forward.
In particular, Gardaí are looking to trace the movements of a dark grey Volkswagen Passat CC (with Northern Irish registration plates and partial registration OHZ). It’s known that this car travelled across the M1 toll bridge at approximately 8pm on Tuesday April 23 and travelled to the Ballon area of Carlow on the evening of Wednesday April 24.
Gardaí are also looking to trace the movements of a black Honda CBR motorcycle (partial registration 03 WW) in the Sandbrook area on the evening of Wednesday April 24.
In the aftermath of the incident, Gardaí probed a theory that Tom Connors may have known those in the car his motorbike is suspected to have collided with.
Mr Connors had absconded from Loughan House Open Centre prison in Co Cavan just four days before the incident, on Saturday, April 20, having only been moved to that site from a secure prison 10 days earlier. He was serving a three-year jail term for car theft – but was coming to the end of his sentence.
In a statement, a spokesperson for An Garda Síochána said: “An Garda Síochána is continuing to investigate the fatal traffic incident involving a motorcycle and a car that occurred at Sandbrook, Ballon, County Carlow, at approximately 10.30pm on Wednesday 24th April 2024.
“The motorcyclist, a male in his 30s, was pronounced deceased at the scene. The car involved was found burnt out at the location, and the occupants of the car failed to remain at the scene.
“Following extensive investigations by Gardaí including technical examinations and a post-mortem examination on the deceased, a murder investigation has commenced under the direction of a Senior Investigating Officer (SIO) from the Incident Room at Carlow Garda Station.
“A Family Liaison Officer (FLO) has been appointed and is keeping the family of the deceased updated on this investigation, in addition to providing support.
“Gardaí are continuing to appeal to any person that can assist Gardaí with this investigation to come forward. In particular, Gardaí are appealing for public assistance in tracing the movements of a dark grey Volkswagen Passat CC (with Northern Irish registration plates and partial registration OHZ).
Scene of the collision near Ballon, Co. Carlow.
“It’s known at this time that this car travelled across the M1 toll bridge at approximately 8pm on Tuesday 23rd April 2024 and it is known that it then travelled to the Ballon area of Carlow on the evening of Wednesday 24th April 2024.
“Gardaí are appealing to any persons in the environs of Ballykealy, Ballon, Rathoe and Sandbrook who may have observed this car on either Tuesday 23rd April 2024 or Wednesday 24th April 2024 to come forward.
“Any road users who may have camera footage (including dash-cam) and were travelling in these areas are asked to make them available to Gardaí. Any home-owners in these areas who have CCTV facing the road are also asked to make contact with Gardaí.
“Gardaí are also looking to trace the movements of a black Honda CBR motorcycle (partial registration 03 WW) in the Sandbrook area on the evening of Wednesday 24th April 2024 and are again appealing to any road-users with camera footage (including dash-cam) or to home-owners with CCTV facing the road to come forward, in addition to any person who remembers observing this motorcycle.
“Anyone with information regarding this incident is urged to contact Carlow Garda Station at 059 913 6620, the Garda Confidential Line at 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station.”
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