Gardai have launched a manhunt for a suspect after an American mother was found beaten to death in her own home in Killarney, County Kerry. The victim has been identified as Jamey Carney, a 43-year-old mother of a 13-year-old girl, originally from New York.
Discovery of the body
Ms Carney's body was discovered at her home on Muckross Road around 1.20pm on Tuesday, July 7, 2026. Her young daughter raised the alarm to a family friend after becoming concerned for her welfare. The friend then contacted a man who phoned gardai. Officers rushed to the scene, but Ms Carney was pronounced dead in her bed.
Sources say her body had been hidden under a duvet, and she had suffered serious head injuries consistent with a brutal attack. Investigators believe she was killed late on Monday night or in the early hours of Tuesday, meaning she lay dead for up to 13 hours before being found. Neighbours reported hearing an argument between Ms Carney and a man late on Monday night.
Suspect identified
The suspect, described as being in his 20s, is an asylum seeker who was known to Ms Carney. He had been living at an International Protection Accommodation Services (IPAS) centre in Killarney but occasionally stayed at Ms Carney's home. He is believed to have been living in Ireland since mid-2024 and had applied for international protection. Prior to that, he reportedly lived in France.
"There is a major search for him," a source said. "There is no doubt she was murdered."
Community reaction
Ms Carney was well known in Killarney, having lived there for around five years. Local councillor Martin Grady, who had provided her with professional assistance, described her as "a loving mother and a very hard worker." He added: "Everyone is really shocked. This is an absolute tragedy."
Councillor John O'Donoghue of the Kerry Independent Alliance said: "The air has just gone out of the town. It is cloaked in sadness." Ms Carney was also heavily involved in the local Palestine support campaign and was respected in the community.
Gardai appeal
Gardai have appealed for witnesses and anyone with camera footage from the Muckross Road area between the evening of July 6 and the afternoon of July 7 to come forward. A Senior Investigating Officer has been appointed, and an incident room has been established at Killarney Garda station. The State Pathologist has been notified, and a post-mortem examination will be arranged.
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.
