Local community fearful following Bettystown murder

It’s feared that the violent Drogheda drugs feud will continue to spill further into Meath following the fatal shooting of 39-year-old father-of-two, Richie Carberry in Bettystown last night. 

Gardaí in Ashbourne are investigating the fatal gun attack which occurred at Castlemartin Drive in Bettystown at approximately 11.40 pm on Monday, 4th November. Mr Carberry sustained a number of gunshot wounds in the incident.

He was taken by ambulance to Our lady of Lourdes Hospital in Drogheda but was pronounced dead shortly before 1 am on Tuesday morning.

A small van was found on fire at Eastham Road near the scene shortly after the shooting and underwent a technical examination.

The shooting is understood to be linked to the ongoing gangland feud in Drogheda which revolves around control of the drugs trade in the town. It is now feared that the violent dispute will continue to spill further into Meath following the incident. 

 

A burnt-out van remained near the scene of the fatal shooting in Bettystown this morning

The feud which kicked off a year ago, has involved a number of violent attacks, one which claimed the life of Keith Brannigan in Clogherhead in August. Gardaí have been carrying out armed patrols in the area in order to address the conflict between the two gangs. 

It is understood that the victim who was from Coolock in Dublin had links to organised crime and it is believed shots were fired at his house in March.
 A neighbour of the victim who asked not to be named said the community is devastated. 

“This is a lovely quiet close-knit estate, we just can’t believe it. There are a lot of young families in this estate and children are playing outside here every day, some only a couple of hours before the shooting. I feel sick to my stomach thinking what might have happened if someone had been caught in the crossfire.

"We are worried to let the kids out now.”

Gardai from the technical bureau investigating the crime scene

A Polish man living nearby who has recently moved to the area was also in shock. 

“We moved here a few months ago with our young family because we thought it was a beautifully peaceful, serene area next to the beach. We thought it was somewhere our children would be safe. We love it here. I could not believe when I heard someone had been shot dead a few yards down the road.

"My children’s bus stop was right outside Castlemartin estate until it was moved only a few weeks ago, it is really frightening that this has happened so close to us.

 

Young families live in the Castlemartin Estate where the shooting took place

"My children are asking me about it and I don’t know what to tell them.” 

Questions now need to be answered on how this incident could occur in a small leafy neighbourhood full of young families according to local Cllr Sharon Tolan.

“I am shaken this morning. There are reports that this individual was involved in crime. Criminals belong in prison not the morgue.

"At the end of the day, he was a husband and a father but if he was a known target I can’t understand how an individual got away with going into an estate full of innocent families with young children with a weapon and shot someone dead then drove back out again. 

Gardai sealed off the area for technical examination 

“There had been an attempt on his life back in March. Why was there no surveillance involved?

“People are asking me, are we safe on the streets and I can’t answer them. There are great extra garda resources in Drogheda but this feud is spilling out everywhere, it’s not just staying in Drogheda, it’s in Clogherhead, now in Bettystown, where is next?

"They need to start lifting everyone and searching properties and confiscating any firearms they manage to find.”

Investigating Gardaí are appealing to anyone who may have witnessed this incident or who may have information to contact the incident room at Ashbourne Garda Station on 01-801 0600, the Garda Confidential Line 1800 666 111 or any Garda Station, they are particularly anxious to hear from road users with camera footage who were in the area at the time of shooting.