THE BODY of a man discovered in a burning car in Dublin has been identified by the authorities.
Irish national broadcaster RTÉ have confirmed the identity of the man as 42-year-old Wayne Whelan.
Whelan was identified through DNA evidence.
A well-known criminal in the Dublin area, Whelan had links to organised crime and had previously survived an attempt on his life made earlier this year.
He had previous convictions and was a suspect in the murders of David Lynch and Mark Desmond.
Gardai suspect the motive behind the murder lies in organised crime, drugs, or as a possible a vendetta or revenge.
Gardaí launched a murder inquiry after the man's body was discovered inside a burning car on the evening of Monday November 18th, in Lucan, Dublin.
The man was found in the passenger seat of the burned-out car.
A post-mortem examination confirmed he had been shot several times.
According to RTÉ, investigating detectives believe the man may have voluntarily entered the car with a person or people that he trusted and was driven to the location where his body was discovered.
The man found shot dead in a burning car at Mount Andrew Rise,Lucan on Monday night has been named as criminal Wayne Whelan... pic.twitter.com/XpBccKcjug
— Padraig O'Reilly Photographer (@padraig_reilly) November 21, 2019
It is likely that the car was set alight in order to destroy any evidence.
Gardaí are appealing for information related to the crime.
Supt Dolan said: "I am appealing for any person who has seen this car or knows of its whereabouts since 13 November to contact investigating gardaí.
"I am also appealing to any person in Mount Andrew estate, who saw this car or to any person who witnessed or has dashcam footage in relation to the incident on Monday night.
"To help assist people in their recollection, the Ireland v Denmark match was taking place at the time."
Gardaí are appealing for information on the movements of the navy Toyota Corolla (05 CW 2225) Whelan's body was found in
Anyone with any information is encouraged to come forward by contacting Lucan Garda Station on 01 666 7300, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111 or any Garda station.
See More: Burning Car, Dublin, Lucan, Murder, Shooting
