Dublin gang shooting victim named as residents call ‘Wild West’ shooting and family ‘in shock’

The victim of last night’s shooting in Dublin has been identified locally as 20-year-old Josh Itseli.

Josh, from the Kylemore area of ​​Dublin, was shot multiple times in a shocking incident in the heart of Drimnagh on Sunday evening.

Residents have told how up to 10 gunshots were heard as a ‘Wild West’ style shootout appeared to take place in the middle of the streets last night – leading to Josh’s tragic death on Knocknarea Road.

LEARN MORE: Live updates as investigation launched after fatal shooting in Dublin

It is believed the young man was shot dead following a collision between a Volkswagen Golf and a Mercedes vehicle, just outside a school, at 12.15am on a Bank Holiday Monday.

Gardai believe a dispute between two rival gangs got out of hand and turned into a violent incident during which members of the gang also brought a pipe bomb to the scene.

However, sources say the device, which has since been secured Monday by the Army’s explosives unit, was not used and was recovered near the scene.

Two men and a teenager in a badly damaged Ford Focus vehicle were later apprehended by armed guards near the nearby Notre-Dame du Bon Conseil church.

They were subsequently arrested and are now detained at several Garda stations, while Gardai formally open a murder investigation. The body was removed from the scene.

Josh’s shocked family and friends arrived at the scene on Monday afternoon and told the Irish Mirror they were seeking answers about what exactly happened.

A family friend told us: “It’s shocking. We usually hear about someone getting sick or dying, but no, someone who finishes everything in a minute. We are very shocked.

The family friend told Josh’s mother, who they say met Gardai earlier in the day, is in a state of shock.

” She knows everything. She is shocked and doesn’t say anything yet. I just cry. We need to know what exactly happened. We’ve known Josh since he was little. He goes to school here. He was born here.”

Family friends told us that Josh’s family is from Congo and that the young man was born and educated here.

He also has two sisters. The incident was widely condemned, with Justice Minister Helen McEntee saying: “The attack in Drimnagh last night is not something we will tolerate on our streets. I commend the Gardaí for their rapid response, which resulted in the rapid arrest of the suspects.

“Tackling crime and ensuring safer streets remains a top priority for this government. »

Meanwhile, speaking at a press conference outside Sundrive Garda Station, Superintendent Paul Maher confirmed a murder investigation had been launched – and explained how officers attempted to save the life of the victim at the scene.

“Last night, at around 12.15am, Gardai received a number of calls regarding shots fired on Knocknarea Road in Drimnagh, Dublin 12.

“Gardai responded to the scene and discovered two vehicles, a black Mercedes Benz and a Volkswagen Golf, which appeared to have been involved in a collision. A man in his 20s was found with gunshot wounds.

“The responding gardai offered first aid. Despite attempts by gardai and paramedics from Dublin Fire Brigade, the man was pronounced dead at the scene. Our thoughts are with the family of the deceased at this time,” he said.

The superintendent also confirmed the discovery of the pipe bomb. Gardai became aware of a potential explosive device at Knocknarea Court.

“The Army Explosive Ordnance Disposal Team has been requested to attend the scene. The device was secured by the Army OD team and removed from the scene. This device will be subject to further technical review.

He also recounted how armed guards apprehended three suspects nearby, including a teenager. “Shortly after reports of the shooting, the Garda Regional Armed Support Unit encountered three men on Slieve Bloom Road.

“Two are in their early 20s and one is a teenager. All three men were arrested and are being detained under section 30 of the Offenses Against the State Act.

“The Knocknarea Road scene has been sealed off. The body of the deceased currently remains at the scene.

“A number of other vehicles were damaged at Knocknarea Road and remain part of the scene and technical examination.

“Another interesting vehicle has been identified and is also undergoing technical examination at the moment, this is a silver Ford Focus.”

The senior officer also confirmed that a murder investigation had been launched and the body of the deceased remained at the scene.

“An incident room has been established at Sundrive Road Garda Station under the direction of a Senior Investigating Officer.

“A family liaison officer has been appointed and formal identification of the deceased has yet to take place.

“There are currently a number of scenes which are the subject of a technical examination by the Garda Technical Office at Headquarters and the Divisional Crime Scene Unit.

“The State Pathologist’s Office and Medical Examiner have also been notified.” In an appeal for witnesses, he added: “Investigating gardai are appealing for any witnesses to this incident to come forward.

“In particular, we are calling on anyone who has a dashcam or any other form of vehicle video footage and was in the Knocknarea area last night between 11:30 p.m. last night and 12:30 p.m. to make this footage available to An Garda Siochana.

“An Garda Siochana is also appealing to anyone who has CCTV in the wider area of ​​Cooley Road, Brandon Road, Crumlin Road and associated secondary roads to make this footage available to An Garda Siochana.

“Anyone with information who can assist An Garda Siochana with this murder investigation is asked to contact Sundrive Garda Station on 666 66 00 or the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111 or any Garda Station Garda.”

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