Gardai rule out strangulation and assault in 'unexplained' death of mother-of-one in Wexford
Gardai had arrested a man known to Paula Lawlor at the scene after finding marks on her neck - but a post-mortem exam has not found evidence of strangulation.
Gardai no longer suspect that a tragic mother of one was strangled to death, following a post mortem examination, it has emerged.
Officers initially suspected that Paula Lawlor (32) may have been murdered in her home in Baile Eoghain in Gorey, Co Wexford, in the early hours of Thursday morning. Sources say gardai did have reasonable suspicion that an assault had taken place after spotting some marks on Ms Lawlor’s neck when they attended the scene at around 3am.
A man known to her was arrested at the scene on suspicion of assault - but following a post mortem examination, he was released without charge. Now it has emerged that the post mortem examination did not find that Ms Lawlor had been strangled - nor any obvious sign that she had been assaulted, despite garda concerns.
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It is understood that gardai are now awaiting the results of a toxicology report to fully determine Ms Lawlor’s exact cause of death. However sources say that while gardai initially suspected foul play, the investigation is for now not being upgraded to one of murder.
It is understood gardai no longer suspect that Ms Lawlor was assaulted - but they have not yet ruled any line of inquiry out. At this time gardai are still treating the death as unexplained - and an investigation remains open. On Friday morning gardai said the arrested man had been released without charge.
“Gardaí continue to investigate all the circumstances surrounding the death of a woman (30s), who was found unresponsive at a residence in Baile Eoghain, Gorey, County Wexford on Thursday morning, 19th December 2024,” a garda spokesperson said.
“The post mortem was completed on the body of the deceased by State Pathologist Dr. SallyAnne Collis yesterday evening. The results of the post mortem are not being released for operational reasons. The male (aged in his 30s) who was arrested and detained in relation to this incident has been released from the provisions of Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act, 1984. Investigations are ongoing.
Gardaí continue to appeal to witnesses to come forward. Additionally, they are seeking dash cam footage from motorists who were in the vicinity of Baile Eoghain at the time of the incident.Anyone with information is asked to contact Gorey Garda Station on 094 30690 or the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111.
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