Dead man found in Co Kildare identified as missing 20-year-old

Silvestras Stoskus was last seen leaving his home in Kinnegad on March 8th

The remains of a man were discovered in a nearby field by a farmer on Wednesday. Photograph: Colin Keegan/Collins Dublin.
The remains of a man were discovered in a nearby field by a farmer on Wednesday. Photograph: Colin Keegan/Collins Dublin.

A man found dead in a Co Kildare field on Wednesday has been identified by gardaí as 20-year-old Silvestras Stoskus, who was reported missing over a week ago.

Mr Stoskus (20), an eastern European national, was last seen leaving his home in Kinnegad on Sunday March 8th at about 3pm.

His remains were discovered at about 3.30pm by a farmer out walking his dog at Cornamucklagh, Broadford on March 18th.

Mr Stoskus (20), an eastern European national, was last seen leaving his home in Kinnegad on Sunday March 8th at about 3pm
Mr Stoskus (20), an eastern European national, was last seen leaving his home in Kinnegad on Sunday March 8th at about 3pm
A Garda search team at the scene at Cornmucklagh, Broadford, Co. Kildare. Photograph: Colin Keegan/Collins Dublin.
A Garda search team at the scene at Cornmucklagh, Broadford, Co. Kildare. Photograph: Colin Keegan/Collins Dublin.

A postmortem examination is currently being carried out at Naas General Hospital.

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Although investigations are at an early stage, it appears evident the man died violently from head wounds.

It is unclear, however, if he was left for dead or if his body was brought to the field at a later stage.

Gardaí say they are currently investigating all of the circumstances surrounding the man’s death and the results of the postmortem, which a Garda spokesman said could arrive this afternoon, will determine the course of the inquiry.

State Pathologist

Garda forensic teams scoured the area on Wednesday evening, while the State Pathologist was also called to the scene. Searches continued throughout Thursday morning and afternoon.

While Mr Stoskus was known to gardaí, he was not thought to have had any significant involvement in crime.

He had been living in Kinnegad, Co Westmeath and it is understood members of the man’s family have been contacted.

An incident room has been established at Leixlip Garda station and anyone with any information should contact gardaí there on (01) 666 7800, the Garda Confidential Line at 1800 666 111 or at any other station.

Mark Hilliard

Mark Hilliard

Mark Hilliard is a reporter with The Irish Times