Man arrested, released after death of young mum in Wexford home

The man who was arrested after Paula Lawlor, a 32-year-old mum of one, was found dead at her Wexford house has been released.

On Friday morning, a garda spokesperson said that the man (aged in his 30s) who was arrested and detained in relation to this incident, has been released from the provisions of Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act, 1984.

Gardaí also said that a post-mortem was completed on the body of the woman, Paula Lawlor, 32, by State Pathologist Dr. SallyAnne Collis yesterday evening. The results of the post-mortem are not being released for operational reasons. Gardaí said that investigations are ongoing.

Gardaí continue to appeal to witnesses to come forward. Additionally, they are seeking dash-cam 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.

Neighbors were reported to have heard screams coming from the premises at around 3am before gardaí were called.

When they arrived, the gardaí found the young mother dead in her bedroom.

A security source said that no weapon appears to have been used in the suspected attack and it’s likely that Ms Lawlor was beaten to death.

A man in his 30s, known to the deceased, was arrested at the scene. He was released on Friday morning.

Arrest

A Garda spokesman said: "Gardaí in Gorey are investigating the death of a woman in her 30s following an incident in the early hours of Thursday, December 19.

"Shortly after 3 am, gardaí and emergency services responded to an incident at a residence in Baile Eoghain, Gorey, where the woman was found unresponsive. She was pronounced deceased at the scene.

"The scene is preserved for examination by the Garda Technical Bureau. The Office of the State Pathologist and local coroner have been notified and a post-mortem examination will be arranged.

"A senior investigating officer has been appointed to lead the investigation and an incident room has been established at Gorey Garda Station. A family liaison officer has also been assigned to support the family," the spokesman said.

Ms. Lawlor’s remains have been removed from the property and the postmortem took place at University Hospital Waterford.

The young woman was originally from Tallaght in Dublin but had lived in Gorey for most of her life. She also had a popular channel on the social media app TikTok and posted her last video just five days ago.

"Extremely upsetting"

Local Fianna Fáil councilor Joe Sullivan said that news of the incident has been met with "widespread shock and sadness".

He said: "The violent death of this young woman was extremely upsetting to hear, particularly so close to Christmas.

"I wouldn’t have known her personally, but knew her to see around the town. This was the last thing anyone would have expected to happen here, which is why there’s so much shock. ‘My thoughts and prayers are with her family."

Wexford Sinn Féin councillor Craig Doyle added: "I’m really taken aback by the tragic news. I’m sure I echo everyone’s thoughts when I give my sincerest condolences to her family, especially so close to Christmas. It’s just really a terrible tragedy."

Meanwhile, friends of Ms Lawlor have expressed their sorrow on social media.

One close friend wrote that the young woman has now been reunited with her parents.

"You were the first friend I made in Wexford," she wrote. "We were only 14 and we clicked from day one. We were inseparable as teens. We shared the same birthday, celebrated our 18th as one. We made memories that will last forever.

"So heartbroken"

"I’m so heartbroken, I’m in shock. I will always remember you as the bubbly, funny person you were when we were teenagers.

"You’re reunited with your ma and da now. Look over Layla, she gunna need it," she said.

Another mourner said: "Absolutely heartbroken to wake up to this devastating news this morning. God rest your gentle soul Paula. You always had a big hello to everyone in our little estate."

Gardaí in Gorey are appealing to witnesses to come forward. 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 at +353 53 943 0690 or the Garda Confidential Line at 1800 666 111.

* This article was originally published on Extra.ie.