Dublin murder-suicide latest as dad spotted fleeing after killing son, 12, & previous chilling threat details emerge

Detectives are piecing together the events of leading up to the shocking west Dublin murder-suicide
A MONSTER dad was seen leaving his home a short time after taking the life of his young son, gardai have established.

Investigators suspect Wayne O’Reilly murdered 12-year-old Oisin Reddin at around midnight on Wednesday into Thursday before fleeing and subsequently taking his own life at a separate property.

We have also learned that Wayne previously threatened he would kill the boy and himself after a public missing persons alert was sent out last year.

Detectives are piecing together the events leading up to the shocking west Dublin murder-suicide.

Wayne, 48, was found dead on Thursday morning at the rear of a house in Cherry Orchard Drive, Ballyfermot.

Gardai – who had previously engaged with Wayne – immediately feared for his son Oisin, who was then discovered in his bedroom at their home at Lealand Drive in Clondalkin by a devastated relative.

Officers believe Oisin died from asphyxiation and that his father took his own life.

Post-mortems on the bodies were completed today, but results of the examinations are not being released for operational reasons.

Cops have established that Wayne was seen leaving the Clondalkin house in and around midnight, and suspect he had murdered Oisin shortly beforehand.

The inquiry is also examining the background to Wayne and his previous interactions with gardai.

On October 17 last, a public garda missing persons appeal was issued for both the father and son.

Wayne and Oisin were subsequently discovered to be in Limerick on that occasion.

PREVIOUS THREAT

However, Wayne was accused of warning he would kill himself and his son in an angry outburst over the fact a public appeal had been issued.

Officers had also engaged with Wayne in the past over mental health issues, but he was known to have abused drugs also.

Tusla, the child and family agency, confirmed Oisin and the family were known to its services, but said the boy was not in its care.

Gardai will investigate the case thoroughly to establish as many facts as possible before ultimately preparing a file for the coroner’s court.

‘BUILDING THE TIMELINE’

A source told us: “Ultimately the suspected killer is dead but there is a full investigation team in place and it’s their job to build the timeline and to establish what happened in as much as they can do.”

Manchester United fan Oisin attended the Talbot National School which was directly across the road from his home, where he was in fifth class.

The Department of Education had teams from National Educational and Psychological services on site on Thursday and again today to support pupils following Oisin’s loss.

Flowers and candles were left at the home in Clondalkin as the community grieves Oisin’s loss.

‘A LOVELY CHILD’

One local, whose son was friends with Oisin, told how she struggled to explain the news to him.

She said: “I didn’t know how to tell him, I just had to in the end. But how do you explain this to children? It’s just horrible.”

Another woman said: “Oisin was such a lovely child, it’s absolutely heartbreaking.

“You’ve to think of all of his friends. My little one keeps asking why? And that’s it isn’t it – we’ll just never know?”

Sinn Fein Councillor Daithi Doolan told how it was “deeply distressing news,” but urged: “I would appeal to people not to speculate on social media as this can often cause further pain for grieving families.

“But, if anyone has any information to please come forward and contact the Garda and help them with their investigation.”

APPEAL MADE

A garda spokesperson said: “Gardai continue to investigate all of the circumstances surrounding the discovery of two bodies at domestic residences in Ballyfermot, Dublin 10 & Clondalkin, Dublin 22, on Thursday 8th January 2026.

“Post Mortems on the remains of 12-year-old Oisin Reddin and 48-year-old Wayne O’Reilly have been completed.

“Results of the post-mortems are not being released for operational reasons.

“Technical examinations at both domestic residences have been completed. The investigation continues to be carried out under the direction of a Senior Investigating Officer.

“Family Liaison Officers continue to liaise with the families of both Oisin Reddin and Wayne O’Reilly.

“An Garda Siochana are appealing to any person who may have any information in relation to these deaths to contact the Garda Investigation Team at Clondalkin Garda Station at 01-6667600, the Garda Confidential Line 1800 666 111 or at any Garda station.”