An asylum seeker is being hunted by gardaí following the fatal beating of an American-born mother in her home in Killarney, Co Kerry. The suspect, a Middle Eastern man in his 20s, is believed to be attempting to flee Ireland after the murder of Jamey Carney, 43, whose body was discovered on Tuesday afternoon.
Victim identified as New York-born mother
Ms Carney, originally from New York, had lived in Killarney for five years and was the mother of a 13-year-old girl. Her body was found at her home on Muckross Road after her daughter alerted a family friend around 1.20pm on Tuesday. The friend contacted a man who immediately called gardaí. Officers arrived to find Ms Carney deceased in her bed, with her body concealed under a duvet.
A post-mortem examination is expected to confirm that she died from severe head injuries sustained in a vicious assault. A source told the Irish Mirror: "There is no doubt she was murdered."
Suspect known to victim and living in IPAS centre
The suspect, who is in his 20s, was known to Ms Carney and occasionally stayed at her house. He had been residing at an International Protection Accommodation Services (IPAS) centre in Killarney since arriving in Ireland in mid-2024. He previously lived in France and is a claimant for international protection. Gardaí are concerned he may attempt to leave the country.
"There is a major search for him," a source confirmed. Detectives believe the murder occurred late on Monday night or in the early hours of Tuesday, with Ms Carney's body left in bed for up to 13 hours before being discovered. Neighbours reported hearing a heated exchange between Ms Carney and a man from the property late on Monday night.
Community in shock
Local independent councillor Martin Grady, who had provided professional support to Ms Carney in recent years, described her as a loving mother and hard worker. "Everyone is really shocked," he said. "She was a loving mother and a very hard worker. I would encourage people to help gardaí in this investigation. No matter how big or small the information they have, please just give it to the gardaí. This is an absolute tragedy."
Councillor John O'Donoghue of the Kerry Independent Alliance added: "The air has just gone out of the town. It is cloaked in sadness." Ms Carney was also a prominent figure in the local Palestine support campaign and well respected in the community.
Garda appeal for witnesses
Gardaí have launched a murder investigation and appointed a Senior Investigating Officer. An incident room has been established at Killarney Garda station. In a statement, the force said: "Gardaí and emergency services responded to an incident at a domestic residence this afternoon. A woman, aged in her 40s, was pronounced deceased at the scene. The State Pathologist has been notified and a post-mortem examination will be arranged in due course. The scene is currently preserved for technical examination."
Gardaí are appealing for witnesses who were in the Muckross Road area between the evening of 6 July and the afternoon of 7 July 2026, and for anyone with camera footage, including CCTV or dashcam, to come forward. Anyone with information is asked to contact Killarney Garda Station on 064 667 1160, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda station.
