THE family of slain James ‘Jake’ Berney have set up a fundraiser to cover his funeral costs after he was stabbed to death.
The GoFundMe says: “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.”
Gardai continued their hunt for the teenage suspect today.
The 53-year-old was knifed in the chest and back in Balgaddy, west Dublin, on Wednesday night.
Detectives believe the dad of six was attacked by a young man who initially turned up on his doorstep on Foxdene Drive demanding cash.
They believe the teen thug later returned armed with a knife, before forcing his way into the house and killing the painter.
Relatives set up a GoFundMe in a bid to cover the costs of his funeral, which fall to Mr Berney’s elderly dad, who he lived with.
His remains are set to be returned to the devastated family after a post-mortem took place.
A friend of one of Mr Berney’s daughters launched the fundraiser and wrote: “Hi all I’m sharing this GoFundMe on behalf of Jake’s family, following his sudden tragic and heartbreaking passing.
“The financial burden of Jake’s funeral now rests on his elderly father, in his late 80s.
“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.”
‘DEVASTATING TIME’
The message adds: “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.”
It raised almost €2,000 today — half of the €4,000 goal.
Mr Berney’s house remained sealed off today as plain clothes gardai conducted a search of it following the Technical Bureau’s examination of the scene.
Officers also conducted a wider trawl of a grass area at the side of the property and of hedges nearby, while uniformed cops conducted door-to-door inquiries.
Flowers were also left at the scene in his memory.
GARDA PROBE
The suspect in the case is a young man in his late teens who lives in the local area, but is not related to the victim.
He is known to Gardai but when the Armed Support Unit raided his pad after the brutal killing, he was nowhere to be seen and has since gone to ground.
A source told The Irish Sun: “Gardai identified a suspect in this case in the very early stages and they would have had previous interactions with him.
“The search for him is ongoing, but a huge amount of working is also being carried out as part of this investigation.”
Locals all spoke very highly of Mr Berney, a talented painter, decorator and odd jobs man, and have been shattered by his loss.
One posted online: “A gentle soul and all round nice guy with a harmless nature.
“My condolences to his family and many friends, may he rest in eternal peace.”
Another said: “Can’t get him off my mind. God help his poor da.”
Cops appealed for witnesses, or anyone with video footage, to call Lucan Garda Station, 01 666 7300.
