Murder probe underway as dad of deceased hitman stabbed to death outside Dublin home
Josh Fowler received a single stab wound at 12.30am this morning
Gardai have launched a murder investigation after the father of a deceased hitman was stabbed to death outside his home in West Dublin.
Josh Fowler (63) received a single stab wound after he was attacked when a number of men called to his door in Dunsink Green in Finglas at around 12:30am this morning.
It is understood Mr Fowler, whose son Shane was killed in a motorbike crash in 2018 - was stabbed amid a suspected ‘scuffle’ when a row broke out between him and the men at his door.
READ MORE: Live updates as murder probe launched in Finglas
READ MORE:Shane Fowler who died in Dublin motorbike crash had previously survived an attack on his life
Sources say associates of Mr Fowler are believed to have owed money - and that the men came to his door amid that personal dispute.
Sources say amid the row Mr Fowler was stabbed once after opening the door to his attackers - and was then left seriously injured outside the front of his property. Emergency services rushed to the scene and took him to Blanchardstown Hospital - where he was subsequently declared dead.
The victim’s son Shane Fowler (35) was killed in May 2018 in a horror motorcycle crash on Dunsink Park. When gardai arrived at the scene, someone was seen leaving with what's believed to have been a 9mm handgun when paramedics arrived. It is suspected that he was on his way to carry out a hit on the infamous mobster known as ‘Mr Flashy’ at the time.
Shane Fowler was embroiled in a bitter feud with the mobster - and his associates continued to be in dispute with the so-called ‘Gucci Gang’ for some time. However this attack on his father is not believed to be connected to that feud in any way.
Instead sources say a bitter personal dispute surrounding his associates and a sum of money has been going on for some time. It is suspected men called to Mr Fowler’s door in an attempt to obtain money - and that the ensuing row at the door led to him being stabbed.
Tributes have since poured out on social media for Josh Fowler. “Horrible news to wake up two rip josh fowler thinking of your sons glen kaide and your youngest boy and all your grandchildren may you rip back with Shane now,” one person wrote.
His grandson said: “No words will explain how much you mean to me go and gallop high Josh /grandad love you to pieces.”
Another pal wrote: “RIP Josh, you were one of a kind with the biggest heart, will miss our late night chats, please look over your family at this very sad time.” In a statement issued this morning gardai said they were investigating “all circumstances” surrounding the death of the man.
“Gardaí are investigating all of the circumstances surrounding the death of a man following a fatal assault in Finglas on Tuesday, 26th November, 2024.
“Shortly before 12:30am, Gardaí and emergency services responded to reports of an assault outside a residence on Dunsink Green, Finglas. A man in his 60s was treated at the scene and subsequently pronounced deceased at Connolly Hospital, Blanchardstown” they said. Officers added that the scene at Dunsink Green remains preserved for forensic examination.
The Coroner has been notified and the Garda Technical Bureau and Office of the State Pathologist have been requested to assist in the investigation. A post-mortem examination will be scheduled, they continued.
A Senior Investigating Officer (SIO) has been appointed to lead the investigation and an incident room has been established at Finglas Garda Station. A Family Liaison Officer (FLO) will be assigned to support the family of the deceased.
Investigating Gardaí are appealing to anyone who may have witnessed the incident to come forward. They are particularly appealing to those with video footage and motorists who may have dashcam footage from the area at the time to contact them.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Finglas Garda Station on (01) 666 7500, the Garda Confidential Line on (1800) 666 111 or any Garda Station. No arrests have been made at this time. Investigations are ongoing.
The victim, Josh Fowler - real name Anthony - recently served a two and a half year prison sentence for the cultivation of cannabis.
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