Gardaí investigating the shooting of Jason Molyneux in Dublin last night have described the killing as a "callous murder", saying he was lured to his death.
The 27-year-old, from North William Street, was shot six times in the chest and stomach after he went to meet someone at James Larkin House flats complex at 9.45pm.
He was taken to the Mater Hospital but pronounced dead there a short time later.
The father-of-one was well known to gardaí for his involvement in serious and organised crime and had more than 120 convictions.
Gardaí have described the murder of Jason Molyneux in Dublin's north inner city as a 'callous' act pic.twitter.com/GQckpmV3U5
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Supt Gerry Murphy said: "This is a callous murder. This is a murder that has occurred in an area that has been subject of a number of murders in the past. We need the help of the community to assist us.
"We are out there on an ongoing basis but we need the help of the community and in particular I am appealing to the community to come forward and help us with this investigation."
Witnesses said the suspected gunman was dressed in dark clothing and escaped on foot.
Gardaí at Store Street are also appealing for information on a white Renault van (10 D 126064).
It was found burnt out near the East Link Bridge earlier this morning. Gardaí arrived soon afterwards and extinguished the blaze.
They are hopeful they have preserved DNA and other evidence in the van that they suspect are linked to the murder.
Detectives are seeking information on the whereabouts of the van in recent days and the two hours after the murder.
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Molyneux was also a close associate of the Hutch criminal gang and although the shooting could be feud-related, gardaí believe it is more likely connected to an attempt on the life of a man in Ballymun last August, which resulted in the double murder of the man's sister and friend.
The killing took place on the eve of the funeral of one of Molyneux's closest friends, Derek Hutch, the last gang-related murder victim, who was shot dead in Dublin last Saturday week.
The celebrant at his funeral mass, which took place in nearby Sean McDermott Street today, described his murder as barbaric and cowardly.
Fr Michael Casey said the reign of violence and the evil spiral of revenge and retaliation has caused havoc and devastation, not just to the family, but also the wider community.
