GARDAI believe a popular painter and decorator was stabbed to death in his own house by a thug who demanded cash from him.
James ‘Jake’ Berney, 53, was knifed in the chest and back in a “violent and sustained attack” by someone he knew inside his home in Balgaddy, west Dublin, at around 11pm on Wednesday.
The father-of-six was rushed to Tallaght University Hospital where medics tried to save his life, but he sadly lost his battle despite their best efforts.
The Irish Sun can reveal the Gardai — who immediately launched an investigation — quickly identified a suspect who lives in the local area.
The Armed Support Unit raided the suspect’s home but he had already fled.
As the search for him continued yesterday, officers were following a number of lines of inquiry to establish the sequence of events.
One theory is that the suspect showed up at the victim’s home on Foxdene Drive and demanded cash he claimed he was owed.
After an exchange of words, he is thought to have left before then returning to Mr Berney’s home.
Cops believe the suspect forced his way into the property before he brutally killed Mr Berney.
A source told The Irish Sun: “The man who lost his life was the victim of a very violent and sustained attack.
“The victim or incident are not connected with organised crime. Gardai are following a number of lines of inquiry and they are making progress.”
Mr Berney had lived on Foxdene Drive for a number of decades, locals have confirmed, and he was said to be a “perfectionist” with a paintbrush.
FRIENDLY FACE IN THE AREA
He also did odd jobs for people, like cleaning windows, and was a friendly face to many in the area.
Mr Berney lived with his elderly father, in his 80s, who was moved to a hotel as detectives continue to investigate the brutal slaying.
Neighbours have paid tribute to the victim.
One told us: “Everyone around here would have known Jake.
‘HE WAS LOVELY’
“He was lovely, and very good with his hands for work like painting and he also did a bit of window cleaning.
“People are devastated. It’s just awful news.”
Another local said: “I’ve been here 20 years, and I haven’t seen anything like this. It’s shocking what’s happening to good people in good communities.”
“The man who lost his life was the victim of a very violent and sustained attack.”
Irish Sun source
On social media, a pal added: “What a lovely man. I was only talking to him the other day.
“He wouldn’t harm a fly — so, so sad. God love him.”
And another wrote: “Aw he was the nicest man! So sad.
“R.I.P Jake — thinking of your family at this hard time.”
SCENE EXAMINTAION
The Garda Technical Bureau examined the scene yesterday for a number of hours — before being seen removing evidence bags.
At the same time, a post-mortem was also taking place on Mr Berney’s remains, with a local coroner notified.
A Garda spokeswoman said: “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 which drew their attention, to come forward.”
The spokeswoman continued: “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.”
They added: “Investigations are currently ongoing.”
