A MAN is being questioned by Gardai in connection with the death of a woman whose body was found in a burned-out car in Cork.
The body of Mary O’Keeffe, 72, from Dromahane in Mallow, was found in the front seat of a burned-out car in Dromdeer Woods near Doneraile on the afternoon of Thursday, February 4.
Both that vehicle and Ms O’Keeffe’s car, a white jeep which was found one kilometre away from the scene, have been removed pending forensic examination.
A 62-year-old man was arrested on Friday afternoon in connection with her death.
He is being held for questioning at Fermoy Garda Station on suspicion of unlawful killing.
Gardai have now received the result of a post-mortem examination carried out on Ms O’Keeffe’s body.
The findings of the autopsy are not being released for operational reasons.
Ms O’Keefe’s body was first discovered by firefighters from Mallow responding to a call from a walker who spotted a car in flames.
Upon arriving at the scene, they may the grim discovery and duly notified the gardai.
A man was also reportedly spotted near the car, with one passerby calling gardai claiming the man was seen brandishing a gun.
The Armed Response Unit rushed to the scene and later pulled the man from the Awbeg River.
The 62-year-old, from Ardpatrick in Co Limerick, suffered hypothermia as well as burns to his face.
He was later arrested on suspicion of her unlawful killing.
Under Irish law, he can be held for a maximum of 24 hours.
A widow described as generous by her neighbours in the Cork village of Dromahane, Ms O’Keeffe had lived along following the death of her husband Donal in 2000.
She is survived by her three adult sons Christie, Donal, and Ger as well as her grandchildren.
Gardai are appealing for witnesses and have asked anyone with information to contact Fermoy station.
A spokesperson said: "A male, aged in 60s, has been arrested in relation to this incident on suspicion of unlawful killing. He is currently detained at Femroy Garda station under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act 1984."
