Woman, 20s, arrested on suspicion of murder of Daniel Aruebose, 3, after tot’s remains identified
Daniel’s death and secret burial had been concealed until a ‘spot check’ by officials from the Department of Social Protection identified his case for a random examination
A WOMAN, aged in her 20s, has been arrested on suspicion of the murder of Daniel Aruebose.
The three-year-old went missing from Dublin over four years ago, with the investigation into his disappearance being upgraded to a homicide probe earlier this month.
Gardai believe Daniel died over four years ago, but his disappearance was only discovered in September after a standard social welfare check.
The tot, who would have turned eight earlier this month, was last seen alive at his home in Donabate, north Co Dublin, when he was three.
Partial human skeletal remains were found after a 16-day search of an area of scrubland close to Daniel’s home in Donabate in September 2025.
Locals left flowers, teddy bears, toys and candles at the search site following the grim discovery.
Detectives believe Daniel’s death was caused by the actions of another person or persons.
And Gardai made the move to upgrade the probe to a homicide investigation after the skeletal remains of the youngster were finally formally identified earlier this month.
A woman, aged in her 20s, is currently detained at a Garda Station in the Dublin Region and being quizzed in connection with the murder probe.
This marks the first arrest made in connection with the case.
In an update this morning, a garda spokesperson said: “As part of the investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death of Daniel Aruebose, Gardai have this morning, arrested a woman aged in her 20s on suspicion of murder.
Play Video
“She is currently detained under provisions of Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act, 1984 at a Garda Station in the Dublin Region.
“Investigations are ongoing.”
Detectives have spoken with all Daniel’s previous neighbours in an attempt to establish exactly when the tot was last seen.
His death and secret burial had been concealed until a “spot check” by officials from the Department of Social Protection randomly identified his case for “further examination”.
The name of a school in the Balbriggan area was given as his current school but, when the school was contacted by Department officials, they outlined how Daniel had never been a pupil there.
Tusla was informed he was living in the south west of the country, which was also not the case.
The Department alerted Tusla, who contacted gardai, who then launched an investigation.
GARDA PLEA
Upon the discovery and identification of Daniel’s body, gardai issued a renewed appeal for information that may assist in their investigation.
A garda spokesperson said: “Members of the public are urged not to assume that Gardai already possess information they may hold, or that any detail is too small or insignificant.
“The investigation team will determine the relevance of any information provided.
“All contact will be welcomed and treated in the strictest confidence.
“Anyone with information is asked to contact Swords Garda Station on 01 666 4700, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or at any Garda Station.”
Gardai also said the force is aware of “extensive public commentary” that has circulated in relation to the investigation, urging the public to independently verify any information they encounter – particularly speculation, rumours and theories about what may have happened to Daniel.
PUBLIC INQUIRY DEMAND
The toddler was in foster care before his parents decided they wanted to take him back.
And Tusla, the child and family agency, is facing a growing torrent of questions after the bombshell revelation that the boy was in State care before he vanished.
Local Labour Councillor Corina Johnston previously told the Irish Sun that a public inquiry is needed into the shocking case.
She said: “This is an absolutely horrific tragedy and we cannot see this happen again to another child in this State.”
RECOMMENDED STORIES
Andrew grins as Epstein pics show him lying over women & hunting with paedoEPSTEIN’S LAIR Chilling new images of Epstein’s €77m Manhattan lair where Andrew stayed
The tragedy comes after the disappearance of schoolboy Kyran Durnin, who was last seen in June 2022 and is currently missing, presumed dead.
Little Kyran, who would be nine this year if still alive, was reported missing from Drogheda, Co Louth, in August last year, and a murder probe was launched in October.
