Man, 30s, arrested after woman found dead in home in Gorey
A woman found dead in her home in Wexford early on Thursday has been named locally as Paula Lawlor.
Ms Lawlor, a mother-of-one in her 30s, was found unresponsive by gardaí and emergency services in a residence in Baile Eoghain, Gorey at about 3am.
She had some visible bruising and was pronounced dead at the scene.
A man, who is also in his 30s, was arrested at the scene on suspicion of assault causing harm.
They were the only two people in the house when emergency services arrived.
The call for help had been made from the residence.
The man, who was known to Ms Lawlor, is currently being detained at a Garda station in the Eastern Region under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act 1984.
He can be held for up to 24 hours under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act 1984, although that period can be extended if the suspect requires breaks.
An autopsy is to take place this afternoon in Waterford. This will likely determine the course of the investigation.
The woman and the man are both locals from the Gorey area.
The scene is currently preserved for examination by the Garda Technical Bureau.
A senior investigating officer will lead the investigation from an incident room at Gorey Garda Station. A family liaison officer has also been appointed.
Local Fine Gael councillor Anthony Donohoe said that the woman's death has sent shockwaves through the town.
"Someone's death is sad at any time of the year but coming just six days out from Christmas that just compounds the misery of the family," Mr Donohoe said.
"It's a massive shock to the town and to the people of Gorey. Gorey's a quiet town. Baile Eoghain is a long-established housing estate in Gorey.
"When [then-minister] Eoghan Murphy was in housing, the council built about 20 new units in the estate. It's a council estate, it's a nice estate. It's something you just don't expect to happen here."
Gardaí are appealing to witnesses to come forward. Additionally, they are seeking dashcam footage from motorists who were in the vicinity of Baile Eoghain at the time of the incident.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Gorey Garda Station on 094 30690 or the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111.
"Investigations are ongoing," a garda spokesperson said.
