Man arrested over murder of primary school teacher released and 'no longer a suspect'

A man arrested by Irish police investigating the killing of a young teacher has been released and is no longer a suspect.

Ashling Murphy, 23, was found by Gardai authorities after she was murdered in Cappincur, Tullamore, Ireland.

She was killed in broad daylight on Wednesday.

Police have said “no stone will be left unturned” in their search for her killer.

Here is everything you need to know about the situation.

Ashling Murphy was a 23-year-old primary teacher from Tullamore in County Offaly, Ireland.

The young teacher’s body was found by authorities on Wednesday afternoon on the banks of the Grand Canal in Cappincur.

It is believed that she was murdered after she went jogging in the area at around 4pm, with Gardai confirming they believe the attack took place in broad daylight.

Superintendent Eamonn Curley said: “The victim of this crime is Ashling Murphy.

“Ashling was a schoolteacher in Durrow National School.

“Our prayers are with Ashling’s family at this time and indeed the wider community, her teaching colleagues, and the children she taught who are without their teacher today.

“Immediately following the discovery of this crime, a full-scale murder investigation was launched.”

Late on Thursday night, gardai said a 40-year-old man, who they had been questioning, had been eliminated from their inquiries.

In a statement In a statement, a garda spokesperson said: “The male who was arrested and detained by An Garda Siochana investigating this fatal assault has now been released from this detention.

“This male has been eliminated from Garda inquiries and is no longer a suspect.”

Superintendent Curley previously said “there is no information that the victim and her killer were known to each other.”

He also said that officers were keeping an “open mind” over the investigation and appealed for any witnesses or anyone with any information to come forward.

Superintendent Curle said: “This area here, where the crime occurred, is popular among Tullamore residents and is widely used for recreational purposes.”

The garda have appealed for any information on a Falcon Storm mountain bike with straight handlebars and distinctive yellow/ green front forks, and have released an image.

Officers have also asked for anyone who was near the scene of the murder at the before 4pm on Wednesday to contact them on 057 932 7600, the garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111.

Ashling’s murder has touched the community, with friends, family and mourners laying flowers for the young woman.

Her death has sparked fresh conversations about the safety of women in Ireland, with many questioning how such an attack could happen in broad daylight.

Several hundred people attended a vigil in memory of Ms Murphy in Galway on Thursday night.

Many in the crowd attended with flowers and candles.

Senior Irish politicians have promised that justice will be delivered for Ms Murphy’s family and condemned violence against women.

Declan Harvey, Fianna Fail councillor for the area, said: “I want to extend my sympathies to Ashling’s father, mother and all her extended family.

“I am devastated. I couldn’t sleep last night thinking of it all because it is a place I go all the time.

“She went there jogging, she does it regularly. I am lost for words.”

The councillor explained that the route which Ashling had been jogging on is popular with dog walkers and families.

He said: “Tullamore is probably the safest place in the world, and after yesterday people will be nervous to go down to the canal.

“It’s a lovely area and helps clear your head. It’s a very popular route that everyone takes. People walk their dogs, people with their kids and prams.”

Irish Justice Minister Helen McEntee tweeted on Friday morning: “Every resource will be provided to An Garda Siochana to find who murdered Ashling Murphy. It is vital that we all support the Gardai in their work.”

Simon Harris, Further Education Minister, said: “A young woman, simply out for a run in the afternoon and brutally killed.

“Thinking of her and her family and community tonight and their unimaginable pain. We must all act to end violence against women.

“We all have a responsibility.”

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