Jamey Carney, 43, a New York-born mum of one who had lived in Killarney for five years, was found dead in her home on Muckross Road as gardaí launch a murder inquiry and hunt a suspect
An asylum seeker was on the loose last night following the fatal beating of a mum in her own home. The Irish Mirror has discovered that the Middle Eastern suspect is now being pursued in connection with the savage murder in Co Kerry yesterday of an American-born mum of one – who had resided in Killarney for the past five years.
She was identified locally as Jamey Carney, the mother to a 13-year-old girl. Gardai are expected to initiate a murder investigation as early as Wednesday morning. The asylum seeker suspect, who was acquainted with Ms Carney, previously lived in France – and there were concerns last night that he may now attempt to escape Ireland following the homicide.
“There is a major search for him,” a source informed the Irish Mirror. The suspect, who is in his 20s, is understood to have been residing at an IPAS centre in Killarney but knew Ms Carney and occasionally stayed at her house in the Muckross Road area of the town – where her body was discovered yesterday afternoon.
He is thought to have been living in Ireland since mid-2024 and was a claimant for international protection. Ms Carney, originally from New York, was found deceased in her bed after her young daughter alerted a family friend around 1.20pm yesterday when she grew worried about her wellbeing.
That friend then got in touch with a man she knew – who immediately rang gardai. Officers then hurried to the scene – but Ms Carney, 43, was subsequently declared dead in her own bed.
Sources tell us Ms Carney’s body had been concealed beneath a duvet that had been placed over her.
She sustained severe head injuries following a vicious assault – with gardai poised to launch a murder investigation.
“There is no doubt she was murdered,” a source told the publication.
While her body was discovered at around 1.30pm, sources say detectives believe Ms Carney was battered to death late on Monday night or in the early hours of yesterday – leaving her corpse in bed for up to 13 hours.
“It probably happened overnight,” a source confirmed.
The source said there were reports of a heated exchange between Ms Carney and a man was audible from within the property late on Monday night.
Ms Carney was a familiar face locally – despite having lived in Ireland for just around five years.
Local independent councillor Martin Grady had offered her professional support in recent years – and said the whole community was shattered by her death.
“I knew her well. Everyone is really shocked, ” he said. He added: “She was a loving mother and a very hard worker. I would encourage people to help gardai in this investigation.
“No matter how big or small the information they have, please just give it to the gardai. This is an absolute tragedy.”
Meanwhile, fellow councillor John O’Donoghue, of Kerry Independent Alliance, who knew Ms Carney by sight, said: “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 was a well-respected member of the community.
Last night, Gardai issued an appeal for witnesses.
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.
“A Senior Investigating Officer has been appointed to lead the investigation. An incident room has been established at Killarney Garda station.”
The statement continued: “Gardaí are appealing for witnesses to this incident to come forward. Anyone who was in the Muckross Road area of Killarney between the evening of the 6th and the afternoon of the 7th of July 2026 and who may have camera footage, including CCTV or dashcam, is asked to provide this footage to investigating Gardaí.
“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. Investigations are ongoing.”
Originally from New York, Ms Carney had recently wished her fellow Americans a happy Independence Day on social media on July 4.
She also shared her enjoyment of attending a concert by The Cure in Dublin just last week.