Friends helping to raise funds for 'gentle soul' who died in stabbing incident
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Friends are helping to raise funds for the funeral of a 'gentle soul' who died in a stabbing incident.
James 'Jake' Berney, 53, died in Tallaght Hospital after emergency services were alerted to his home in Foxdene Drive, Balgaddy, in West Dublin at around 11pm on Wednesday night. It is understood Mr Berney, a well-known 'handyman' in the area, suffered multiple catastrophic stab wounds from what gardai believe was a row at the house with a man known to him.
However, the investigation is understood to be complex – and no one has been arrested yet in connection with the death – which is set to be the subject of a murder probe. Friends have set up a GoFundMe page that says: 'The financial burden of Jake's funeral now rests on his elderly father, who is in his late 80s.
'At a time when he should be surrounded by peace and support, he is instead facing the unimaginable pain and cost of laying his son to rest. Jake was known for his kind heart and willingness to help others, even during his own struggles. He left a mark on many lives, and now his family needs support. If you're able to contribute, any amount would be deeply appreciated and would ease the weight on his father's shoulders during this devastating time. Thank you for your kindness.'
Shocked neighbours and friends said Mr Berney was a 'gentle soul' and 'harmless' and that he often painted their homes and cleaned their windows over the years. One neighbour, who heard a commotion at the house on Wednesday night, said she saw Mr Berney being wheeled out of his home in a stretcher, covered by a black bag.
She added: 'I said that's it. I never thought it would be him. He was a great young fella. He lives there with his father Andy. I thought it was Andy because his father suffers with his heart. So I came down and I saw him going out. I couldn't get over it.
'We're living here 39 years and yeah they were here before me. A grand young fella he was.'
Another neighbour said Mr Berney would often walk by their home and would always stop for a chat. They added: 'He was always a gentle soul. He would always wave to you, always say hello walking by. He never caused any trouble around here. It's sad to hear that's the way he passed away. He painted one of the houses here only two days ago. He painted every house on this road.'
The neighbour said the entire street was in shock over what had happened. He added: 'Last night all I heard was the guards coming around. I actually thought it was on the main road. I only heard this morning when I went out for work. It's a shock. I think he has nine kids. He had a lot. The way it happened, that is a surprise. It doesn't really happen around here.'
Another neighbour spoke of Mr Berney's kind nature, and said everyone on the street knew him well. They added: 'I don't have a bad word to say about him. He was a nice chap, we all grew up together. He was always in doing jobs, cleaning windows or painting. Whatever happened, it's just so sad.'
Another man said: 'All I heard was the ambulance, then the fire brigade and then I just seen the police cars.' Gardai were awaiting the results of a post mortem examination before determining fully whether to upgrade the investigation to one of murder.
However, officers are understood to be ready to upgrade the investigation – having seized a number of items of interest and believing that Mr Berney was stabbed to death following a row. Forensic officers were seen carrying multiple evidence bags out of the house on Thursday morning.
In a press release gardai said: 'A man, aged in his 50s, who was injured in the incident was taken to Tallaght University Hospital where he was later pronounced deceased. A post-mortem examination will be carried out in due course and the local coroner has been informed.
'The scene remains preserved for examination by the Garda Technical Bureau. This investigation is being led by a Senior Investigating Officer at Lucan Garda Station.'
Gardai are appealing to anyone who was in the vicinity of Foxdene Drive between 11pm and 12am and observed any activity that drew their attention to come forward. Any road users or pedestrians who may have camera footage (including dash-cam) and were in the vicinity of Foxdene Drive between 11pm and 12am are asked to make this footage available to investigating Gardai.
Anyone with any information is asked to contact Lucan Garda Station on (01) 6667300, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station.
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Sunday World
9 hours ago
- Sunday World
Family of stab victim James Berney say he was ‘taken too soon' ahead of private funeral
People have left numerous messages of sympathy including one that reads: 'May your kind, beautiful soul rest in peace Jake' A private funeral will be held for stabbing victim James 'Jake' Berney, it has been announced. According to his notice on the 53-year-old who died in Tallaght Hospital last week after being attacked in his home over a personal dispute, was 'taken too soon'. It states that Jake will be forever 'sadly missed' by his loving father Andrew, his daughter Lorita, his son Aaron 'and all of his immediate family'. 'Taken too soon but forever loved by all of his brothers and their wives, aunts and nieces, extended family and friends,' the notice reads. In the condolences section, people have left numerous messages of sympathy including one that reads: 'May your kind, beautiful soul rest in peace Jake.' Stab victim James 'Jake' Berney News in 90 Seconds - June 28th Another adds that 'it was with deep shock and profound sorrow that I heard the terrible news of Jamesy's passing'. 'Fifty-three is far too young, and to be taken in such a cruel manner is truly difficult to comprehend. Love and sympathies to Andy, Willie and all of his family and friends,' Another writes that 'Jamesy' was more than an acquaintance, 'he was a fixture of our childhood on Foxdene Drive'. 'I'll never forget him babysitting, letting us stay up late for MacGyver, then attempting to lull us asleep before the folks got back with his dramatic rendition of 'Lady in Red'. 'It's a very sad day for Clondalkin,' another adds, 'he was a gentleman. I will always remember your kindness, smile, laugh and chats. May you RIP. Thinking of all your family, gone too soon.' Another mourner said: 'I only knew you from passing by, you were such a friendly person and never bothered anyone.' Another added: 'Couldn't believe what I was hearing, you didn't deserve that Jake. (I) knew you 20 years and not a bad bone in your body.' Berney, who lived at the home on Foxdene Drive in Balgaddy with his elderly father, was stabbed multiple times during a fatal attack following a personal dispute on Wednesday night. A male teen has emerged as the chief suspect in the attack and while he has not yet been arrested by gardai, it's understood that he was known to Mr Berney, although they were not related. One source told the Irish Independent: "He is well known around the area and his name spread around in the hours after this happened. He hasn't been seen since the stabbing on Wednesday night but he is the chief suspect." Meanwhile, Jake's daughter, Lorita, and pal Rebecca, have set up a GoFundMe page on behalf of the victim and his family 'The financial burden of Jake's funeral now rests on his elderly father, who is in his late 80s,' the page reads. 'At a time when he should be surrounded by peace and support, he is instead facing the unimaginable pain and cost of laying his son to rest. 'Jake was known for his kind heart and willingness to help others, even during his own struggles. He left a mark on many lives, and now his family needs support,' the page continues. 'If you're able to contribute, any amount would be deeply appreciated and would ease the weight on his father's shoulders during this devastating time. Thank you for your kindness.' James, who is known as Jake, was killed after the suspect forced his way into his home on Wednesday night. He was stabbed several times in the back and chest. The Sunday World understands that a number of other people were in the property at the time and witnessed the attack. The suspect fled and emergency services were alerted. Gardaí and paramedics rushed to the scene and the victim was transferred to Tallaght University Hospital, where he was later pronounced dead. Sources described Mr Berney as a 'harmless man' who was well known in the area. 'He was a decent, harmless man who helped out around the area,' a source said. Gardaí were awaiting the results of a post-mortem examination yesterday, but they are expected to upgrade the inquiry to a murder investigation. No arrests have been made, but investigators are following a definite line of inquiry. Gardaí sealed off the house and a forensic examination by members of the Garda Technical Bureau began early yesterday morning. Neighbours said Mr Berney worked as a painter and decorator, and would often carry out decorating jobs for people in the area, some of whom described him as a 'perfectionist' when it came to his work. 'It's very sad. He was a local handyman, really. Everyone knew him, young and old,' one neighbour said. Another said: 'He was a loveable rogue, I'm going to miss him.' Neighbours said the front door of Mr Berney's house could be opened from the outside unless it was locked with a key, and there were frequent visitors to the property. There was no sign of forced entry at the house, and gardaí dusted the front door for fingerprints as part of their investigation. One neighbour reported hearing a disturbance at the house late on Wednesday night. 'There was banging and shouting and then the ambulance and gardaí started to arrive very quickly,' the man said. 'I've never seen so many squad cars. I knew there was something up when the gardaí put the tape up around the house. It's terribly sad,' another neighbour added. The investigation is being led by a senior investigating officer at Lucan garda station. Gardaí are appealing to anyone who was in the vicinity of Foxdene Drive between 11pm and 12am and observed any activity that drew their attention to come forward. Anyone with any information is asked to contact Lucan garda station on 01 666 7300, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any garda station.
Dublin Live
11 hours ago
- Dublin Live
Friends helping to raise funds for 'gentle soul' who died in stabbing incident
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info Friends are helping to raise funds for the funeral of a 'gentle soul' who died in a stabbing incident. James 'Jake' Berney, 53, died in Tallaght Hospital after emergency services were alerted to his home in Foxdene Drive, Balgaddy, in West Dublin at around 11pm on Wednesday night. It is understood Mr Berney, a well-known 'handyman' in the area, suffered multiple catastrophic stab wounds from what gardai believe was a row at the house with a man known to him. However, the investigation is understood to be complex – and no one has been arrested yet in connection with the death – which is set to be the subject of a murder probe. Friends have set up a GoFundMe page that says: 'The financial burden of Jake's funeral now rests on his elderly father, who is in his late 80s. 'At a time when he should be surrounded by peace and support, he is instead facing the unimaginable pain and cost of laying his son to rest. Jake was known for his kind heart and willingness to help others, even during his own struggles. He left a mark on many lives, and now his family needs support. If you're able to contribute, any amount would be deeply appreciated and would ease the weight on his father's shoulders during this devastating time. Thank you for your kindness.' Shocked neighbours and friends said Mr Berney was a 'gentle soul' and 'harmless' and that he often painted their homes and cleaned their windows over the years. One neighbour, who heard a commotion at the house on Wednesday night, said she saw Mr Berney being wheeled out of his home in a stretcher, covered by a black bag. She added: 'I said that's it. I never thought it would be him. He was a great young fella. He lives there with his father Andy. I thought it was Andy because his father suffers with his heart. So I came down and I saw him going out. I couldn't get over it. 'We're living here 39 years and yeah they were here before me. A grand young fella he was.' Another neighbour said Mr Berney would often walk by their home and would always stop for a chat. They added: 'He was always a gentle soul. He would always wave to you, always say hello walking by. He never caused any trouble around here. It's sad to hear that's the way he passed away. He painted one of the houses here only two days ago. He painted every house on this road.' The neighbour said the entire street was in shock over what had happened. He added: 'Last night all I heard was the guards coming around. I actually thought it was on the main road. I only heard this morning when I went out for work. It's a shock. I think he has nine kids. He had a lot. The way it happened, that is a surprise. It doesn't really happen around here.' Another neighbour spoke of Mr Berney's kind nature, and said everyone on the street knew him well. They added: 'I don't have a bad word to say about him. He was a nice chap, we all grew up together. He was always in doing jobs, cleaning windows or painting. Whatever happened, it's just so sad.' Another man said: 'All I heard was the ambulance, then the fire brigade and then I just seen the police cars.' Gardai were awaiting the results of a post mortem examination before determining fully whether to upgrade the investigation to one of murder. However, officers are understood to be ready to upgrade the investigation – having seized a number of items of interest and believing that Mr Berney was stabbed to death following a row. Forensic officers were seen carrying multiple evidence bags out of the house on Thursday morning. In a press release gardai said: 'A man, aged in his 50s, who was injured in the incident was taken to Tallaght University Hospital where he was later pronounced deceased. A post-mortem examination will be carried out in due course and the local coroner has been informed. 'The scene remains preserved for examination by the Garda Technical Bureau. This investigation is being led by a Senior Investigating Officer at Lucan Garda Station.' Gardai are appealing to anyone who was in the vicinity of Foxdene Drive between 11pm and 12am and observed any activity that drew their attention to come forward. Any road users or pedestrians who may have camera footage (including dash-cam) and were in the vicinity of Foxdene Drive between 11pm and 12am are asked to make this footage available to investigating Gardai. Anyone with any information is asked to contact Lucan Garda Station on (01) 6667300, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station. Join our Dublin Live breaking news service on WhatsApp. Click this link to receive your daily dose of Dublin Live content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice . For all the latest news from Dublin and surrounding areas visit our homepage.
The Irish Sun
14 hours ago
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Our Brit daughter, 15, was killed by boat propeller while snorkelling in Maldives…we're forced to investigate ourselves
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