Wicklow family found shot dead
An elderly couple and their son were found shot dead in the family home in a village in Co Wicklow last night.
The parents, named locally as John Joe Slater, aged in his 80s and Mary, in her late 70s, were found in their house near the quiet village of Grangecon, in south-west Co Wicklow.
Their son Patrick, a local sculptor and metal worker in his 40s, was found dead beside them.
It is understood two guns were found in the house and gardaí are not looking for anyone else.
Concerned neighbours raised the alarm and called gardaí at 11am after the family had not been seen for more than a day.
Local officers said the scene inside the house was very difficult.
The family, who had a farming background, were active in the local parish with the parents reading at Mass and involved with the choir while their son Patrick did weekly collections.
The parents were also lifelong members of the nearby Baltinglass Golf Club, with John Joe captain in 1979 and Mary lady captain in 1982.
Local priest Fr Thomas Dillon said they were lovely people and highly respected members of the rural community.
“It’s a very sad occasion, a tragic happening,” he said.
“They were very active in the church, lovely, lovely people, highly respected here in Grangecon.”
John Joe was a retired farmer and his wife Mary a retired schoolteacher. Son Patrick had a workshop beside the house were he made metal sculptures. The couple are believed to have had two daughters.
State Pathologist Professor Marie Cassidy was called to the scene along with forensic officers and post mortem examinations are planned for tomorrow.
The bodies were removed from the home shortly before 9pm.
Fears for the family’s welfare were raised after the couple did not go to Mass on Sunday or collect papers from the local store.
