House searches continue as man arrested over woman's death in Gorey released
Lawlor Facebook Picture: Paula
Searches are continuing on Friday at the house where a mother-of-one was found bruised, unresponsive and was later pronounced dead in Wexford.
A man arrested on suspicion of assault causing harm to 32-year-old Paula Lawlor was released without charge, gardaí said this morning.
“The investigation is ongoing,” Superintendent David O’Sullivan said.
“Gardaí are still investigating the matter and a file is being prepared for the DPP [Director of Public Prosecutions].”
Ms Lawlor, 32, was found unresponsive by gardaí and emergency services in a residence in Baile Eoghain, Gorey at about 3am on Thursday.
She had some visible bruising and was pronounced dead at the scene.
An autopsy on her body was completed by State Pathologist Dr Sally Anne Collis on Thursday evening. The results are not being released for operational reasons.
A man, also in his 30s, was arrested at the scene on suspicion of assault causing harm.
They were the only two people in the house when emergency services arrived.
The call for help had been made from the man at the residence.
The man, who was known to Ms Lawlor, was detained for a time at a Garda station in the Eastern Region under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act 1984. He has since been released from the provisions of Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act, 1984. A file will be prepared for the DPP.
Ms Lawlor and the man are both locals from the Gorey area.
A senior investigating officer will lead the investigation from an incident room at Gorey Garda Station. A family liaison officer has also been appointed.
Local Fine Gael councillor Anthony Donohoe said that the woman's death has sent shockwaves through the town.
"Someone's death is sad at any time of the year but coming just six days out from Christmas that just compounds the misery of the family," Mr Donohoe said.
"It's a massive shock to the town and to the people of Gorey. Gorey's a quiet town. Baile Eoghain is a long-established housing estate in Gorey.
"When [then-minister] Eoghan Murphy was in housing, the council built about 20 new units in the estate. It's a council estate, it's a nice estate. It's something you just don't expect to happen here."
Gardaí are appealing to witnesses to come forward. Additionally, they are seeking dashcam footage from motorists who were in the vicinity of Baile Eoghain at the time of the incident.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Gorey Garda Station on 094 30690 or the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111.
"Investigations are ongoing," a garda spokesperson said.