Gardaí are attempting to track down a man who probably encountered a gunman moments after he had killed Dean Johnston (21) in 2011.
Mr Johnston was shot dead in the backseat of a car while on his way to a social function at about 8.45pm on May 25th, 2011.
The incident took place about 100 yards from Mr Johnston’s home in the Moorfield housing estate in Clondalkin, west Dublin.
As he and his friends were about to depart, a gunman approached the vehicle and fired several shots in a targeted attack.
The killer fled the scene on foot in the direction of Moorfield Drive, dressed in a dark hoodie top, with leggings and something covering the lower part of his face.
Moments later, he passed a man walking his dog who has not been identified and whose recollection of events is central to the renewed appeal.
Investigators now believe several witnesses could be the key to a breakthrough in the case.
“It was a local dispute between people and we believe that’s the basis of the murder,” said Supt Dermot Mann, of Lucan Garda station, in a briefing.
“What we are appealing [for] at this stage is that, in the cold light of day almost five years on from the incident, that people would reflect on it and maybe that people would revisit.
“Some of the people that we have already spoken to . . . maybe they have more to offer.
“Maybe they have further information that maybe they were in fear of [giving], or because maybe it was because it was a local incident that they felt that they didn’t want to get involved in.”
Garda investigation
Gardaí have yet to charge anyone in connection with the murder and the weapon used, believed to have been a handgun, has not been located.
Gardaí have established more than 500 lines of inquiry and taken more than 400 statements in the investigation.
There have been nine arrests, including three in relation to the murder and six in relation to people believed to be withholding information.
Supt Mann said: “There is more information out there.
“Prior to the murder of Dean Johnston we weren’t aware that he was in conflict with anybody.
“But subsequent to it, and as a result of the investigation, we have uncovered that he was in dispute with people locally, over small incidents.
“It certainly wasn’t a gangland murder or anything of that nature.”
Potential witnesses
Other potential witnesses include the occupants of several cars driving in the vicinity at the time of the shooting.
In particular, two people who were seen to approach a red car shortly afterwards are asked to make contact with authorities.
“Obviously we can’t forget the parents or the family in this scenario. Dean’s mother Lorraine . . . has asked us to reiterate that she believes that Dean won’t rest in peace until the people responsible for his murder are brought to justice,” said Supt Mann.
“Dean was an ordinary, happy-go-lucky young man. He was still in study.
“He was very interested in the gym; he was somebody who trained every day, he had trained earlier on that day.
“He had plenty of friends. He was just an ordinary guy.”
Anyone with information on the killing can contact the confidential Crimestoppers number at 1800-250025. They do not have to give personal information.
Alternatively, they can contact gardaí at Lucan Garda station on 01-6667300 or to call in to at any other station.
