Fundraiser launched for stab victim James ‘Jake' Berney as teen identified as chief suspect
Berney, who lived at the home on Foxdene Drive in Balgaddy with his elderly father, was stabbed multiple times
A fundraiser has been launched pay for the funeral of stabbing victim James 'Jake' Berney.
The 53-year-old died in Tallaght Hospital after being attacked in his home over a personal dispute.
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 but it's understood 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, two friends, Lorita Murray and Rebecca Cranny, 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.
James 'Jake' Berney
News in 90 Seconds - June 27th
'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.'
So far, 50 donors have raised €1,375 of a €4,000 target.
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.
Gardaí investigating the fatal stabbing. Photo: Collins
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.
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