A man whose body was found in a burning car in Lucan, Dublin was blasted in the head before being torched on Monday night, a post-mortem confirmed today.
Wayne Whelan was killed in the passenger seat of the Toyota Corolla before it was set on fire.
The 42-year-old is believed to have been driven to his death by someone he trusted.
A source said earlier that the victim of the gruesome gangland killing is suspected to be Whelan, who had been reported missing, and that there is no other line of inquiry.
This has since been confirmed by a DNA match.
Superintendent Paul Dolan said earlier at a press briefing in Lucan Garda Station: “The body has been identified as that of a male and died as a result of gunshot wounds.
“An Garda Siochana are working to identify this person and all I can say at this stage is that we are following a specific line of inquiry in relation to that.”
Gardai are appealing for any information regarding the navy Toyota Corolla in which the murdered man was found.
Supt Dolan added: "The car itself was a navy Toyota car. Registration number; 05-CW-2225.
"This vehicle was sold on the 13th of November.
"I am appealing for any person who has seen this car or knows of its whereabouts since the 13th November to contact investigating Gardaí.
“I am also appealing to any person in Mount Andrew Estate, who saw this car or to any person who witnessed or has dashcam footage in relation to the incident on Monday night 18th November 2019.
“To help assist people in their recollection, the Ireland v Denmark International Soccer match was taking place at the time."
