An elderly woman found dead in her home in County Tipperary may have known her killer.
A murder investigation has been launched following the death of Josephine ‘Joan’ Ray in Nenagh.
The woman in her 80s was found dead at her house in St Joseph's Park on Sunday afternoon.
Her remains were removed to University Hospital Limerick where a post mortem has taken place.
Reporter David Raleigh told Newstalk Breakfast it's thought Ms Ray may have known her killer.
"Gardaí launched a murder investigation after an elderly woman was found dead in her home in Nenagh last Sunday," he said.
"The victim has been named locally as 89-year-old Josephine ‘Joan’ Ray.
"Ms Ray's body was found at her home in St Joseph's Park in the town at around midday last Sunday.
"Reliable Garda sources have told me investigators are satisfied there was no visible sign of a break in at Ms Ray's home.
"A number of lines of inquiry are being followed including one possible theory that Ms Ray may have known her killer."
Mr Raleigh said details of how she died are not being released.
"There are reports this morning about how Ms Ray may have died; however, Gardaí said they are not publicly disclosing details of the nature of her injuries for operational reasons."
Josephine 'Joan' Ray. Image: Facebook/Daniel Ray O BrienHe added that Gardaí do not believe any weapon was used.
Gardaí are appealing for witnesses to come forward, particularly those who were in the St Joseph’s Park area of Nenagh between 8pm on Saturday August 3rd and mid-day on Sunday August 4th.
Those with video recordings from the area within the timeframe, including motorists with dash cams, are asked to provide footage to investigating Gardaí.
A Senior Investigating Officer (SIO) has been appointed to lead the investigation and an incident room has been established at Nenagh Garda station.
A Garda Family Liaison Officer (FLO) has been assigned to support her family.
