Exclusive

HIT PROBE

Major Finglas gangland shooting update as new ‘cut out middleman’ theory emerges in probe over killing of ‘runner’, 23

Detectives have drawn up a list of possible suspects for the first gangland murder of 2023

• Published: 17:01, 20 Nov 2023
• Updated: 17:01, 20 Nov 2023

GARDAI are probing if low-level drug dealer Brandon Ledwidge was killed by someone he knew.

And they suspect Ledwidge, 23, who acted as a “runner” for a crime family in the Finglas area may have been targeted after telling pals he was going to “cut out the middleman” and establish his own drug dealing network.

The operation was organised in a bid to gather evidence.

Although no arrests have been made, Gardai did discover thousands worth of designer clothing.

At present, detectives have also drawn up a list of possible suspects for the first gangland murder of 2023.

One source said: “It’s a strong possibility that Ledwidge may have been killed by someone he was once close to.

“The focus now is trying to establish what his movements were in the days before the shooting and who he had been meeting.

“Ledwidge knew a lot of key figures involved in the drugs trade and the understanding is that he wanted to make his own way in the business.

“He had already earned money from the trade and enjoyed living the high life.

“The criminals involved in the drugs trade in Finglas aren’t afraid to use violence even against people they would have known for a long time.”

CCTV TRAWL

Investigators were also gathering CCTV footage from the area.

Garda also made a fresh appeal for information.

As the Garda investigation continues, tributes continue to pour in for the murder victim, whose uncle Kevin was also shot dead in Finglas in 2007.

His mother also posted an image of son on her Facebook page.

One user said: “Never thought I’d be saying this but rest in peace Brandon.

“I hope you get the best bed wherever you are.”