In a tragic incident that has drawn international attention, a mother from America, originally hailing from New York, was discovered dead in her Killarney home, a town favored by tourists in Ireland. Authorities have noted that a person of interest in the case has since left the country, with some reports from local media suggesting the individual might be an asylum seeker.
Identified as Jamey Carney by the Irish Prime Minister, the 43-year-old’s body was found on Tuesday in County Kerry. An Garda Síochána, the national police service, confirmed the details of the discovery.
Authorities stated that the person of interest departed the region early on Tuesday, prior to the discovery and reporting of Carney’s body. A murder investigation has been initiated, and local police are collaborating with global law enforcement agencies.
Carney, originally from Westchester County just north of Manhattan, relocated to Ireland in 2021 alongside her young daughter, as reported by the Irish Independent.
Jamey Carney, an American citizen, was found deceased in her Killarney, Ireland home, where police have begun a murder inquiry. Known for its appeal to tourists, the town remains a hub of investigation. (iStock / Jamey Carney via Facebook)
The State Department confirmed to News Media that an American citizen died in County Kerry on July 7 and said it was providing consular assistance to the victim’s family.
“The Trump Administration has no higher priority than the safety and security of Americans,” the agency said.
The Irish Mirror reported the person of interest was an asylum seeker living in state-run accommodation in Killarney who allegedly fled to Turkey. The outlet also reported that the man, who previously lived in France and the United Kingdom, knew Carney and frequently stayed at her home.
Carney’s social media profiles described her as a “New Yorker in Ireland” and showed her with a man she identified as her partner. In one recent post, she referred to them as a “mixed couple.” Police have not identified the person of interest or said whether he is the man featured in the posts.
Documents reviewed by News Media indicate she also had ties to Rockland County, New York, and northern New Jersey, while News Media sources said she was a familiar face along Yonkers’ MacLean Avenue, a neighborhood with a large Irish-American community.
The Irish Independent, citing sources, reported Carney was found with bedclothes covering her body and had suffered severe head and neck injuries, with indications she may have fought to defend herself. The room was heavily bloodstained, according to the outlet.
Side-by-side Facebook photos of American citizen Jamey Carney, who was found dead at her home in Killarney, County Kerry. Irish police have launched a murder investigation into her death. (Facebook)
Investigators believe the person of interest first arrived in the United Kingdom before traveling to Ireland, RTÉ reported. Detectives have contacted airline and transport officials and are coordinating with British authorities as they work to establish his identity and movements.
Despite the international search, Irish police have not released the man’s name, image or a description, saying they are not in a position to comment on his age, name or nationality for legal reasons, according to RTÉ.
The news has rattled the picturesque southwest Irish town, a gateway to Killarney National Park and the famed Ring of Kerry, two of Ireland’s biggest draws for American visitors.
Carney’s LinkedIn profile indicated she moved to Ireland in 2021 to work for a healthcare outsourcing company after previously working as an insurance agent and real estate salesperson in the New York metropolitan area.
Her social media accounts are filled with selfies and content with her daughter as well as her partner. It shows she also supported the Free Palestinian movement and her bio included criticism of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
The entrance to the Homeland housing estate off Muckross Road in Killarney, County Kerry, where American citizen Jamey Carney was found dead at her home. Irish police have launched a murder investigation. (Google Maps)
Carney is being remembered locally as a devoted mother who loved living in Killarney.
Councillor Martin Grady, who said he knew her personally, told the Irish Independent she was “a loving, caring mother” and “always happy and smiling.”
Carney marked the Fourth of July with her partner just days before her death, per her social media account.