Gardaí still reviewing ‘thousands of hours’ of CCTV footage in 2022 gang shooting

Gardaí continue to examine extensive amounts of CCTV footage in their ongoing investigation into the 2022 gang-related shooting of Cormac Berkeley, who was killed outside his home in County Dublin. The probe, which has faced delays due to the sheer volume of visual evidence, highlights the complexity of the case and the challenges authorities face in unraveling the circumstances surrounding the fatal incident. Cormac Berkeley, a 37-year-old man with known ties to the local drug trade, was shot multiple times while sitting in his vehicle in the driveway of his residence in Harelawn Park, Clondalkin, in December 2022. He sustained at least five gunshot wounds to his legs and upper body before paramedics arrived at the scene. Despite efforts to resuscitate him, Berkeley was declared dead shortly thereafter. His death is believed to be connected to a longstanding feud among organized criminal groups operating in the region. At a recent hearing in the Dublin District Coroner’s Court, representatives from An Garda Síochána requested a six-month adjournment of the inquest into Berkeley’s death. This delay is necessary to complete the thorough analysis of surveillance footage captured around the time of the shooting. Detective Inspector Brian Hanley, who oversees the investigation, emphasized that the process involves a detailed examination of all available video evidence to ensure no relevant information is overlooked. The inquest into Berkeley's death was initially scheduled to begin in late 2023 and has undergone several postponements since then. These adjournments were granted to provide sufficient time for the police investigation to reach a stage where it can inform potential criminal proceedings. During the latest hearing, the coroner was informed that a post-mortem examination confirmed multiple gunshot wounds as the cause of death. Additionally, it was noted that Berkeley’s half-brother had positively identified his remains. In addition to the ongoing investigation into Berkeley’s murder, the coroner’s court also addressed the inquest into the death of Jason Hennessey, a 48-year-old man who was shot in the neck and upper torso during a gangland attack at Browne’s Steakhouse in Blanchardstown on Christmas Eve 2023. Hennessey succumbed to his injuries 12 days later. The inquest into this separate case was similarly postponed for six months, allowing investigators more time to analyze the evidence collected thus far. Detective Inspector Liam Donohoe, leading the investigation into Hennessey’s death from Blanchardstown Garda Station, indicated that further work is required to fully understand the sequence of events leading to the fatal shooting. The case is currently under active review, with the possibility of criminal charges being pursued against those responsible. Meanwhile, the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) is examining evidence related to the 2022 shooting of Gary Carey, a 41-year-old man who was targeted outside the Hilton Hotel in Kilmainham, western Dublin. The inquest into Carey’s death revealed that charges might be brought against individuals linked to the incident. However, one suspected individual has already passed away, complicating the legal proceedings. The coroner approved a six-month extension to enable the DPP to thoroughly assess the evidence concerning other suspects involved in the case. As these investigations progress, the involvement of multiple law enforcement agencies underscores the interconnected nature of these cases within the broader context of organized crime in the Dublin area. Each case presents unique challenges, requiring meticulous attention to detail and coordination among various investigative bodies. With each adjournment, the focus remains on ensuring that all aspects of these tragic incidents are thoroughly examined to bring justice to the victims and their families.