Gardaí announced yesterday they were not seeking to interview anyone in relation to the deaths of a mother and daughter who were found at their home in Letterkenny, Co Donegal on Tuesday afternoon, writes Carl O'Brienin Letterkenny
They made the announcement after receiving postmortem results of examinations of the bodies, the details of which they will not release until toxicology studies have been completed.
However, senior sources say initial indications suggest that Caitríona Innes (26) may have taken her own life, while Caitlín (7) appears to have been suffocated.
Their bodies were found at their home at Whitethorn Close on Tuesday afternoon. They had not been seen since last weekend when Caitlín celebrated her First Communion with her classmates.
"There are no signs of any foul play," a Garda spokesman said. "Gardaí are not seeking any other person in relation to the two deaths." Postmortems were carried out in Letterkenny General Hospital by Deputy State Pathologist Dr Michael Curtis, and arrangements were being made last night to return the bodies to the Innes family. Removal and funeral plans have yet to be arranged.
Neighbours and friends yesterday said they had not noticed anything to suggest Ms Innes was experiencing any kind of emotional difficulty or trauma. Health authority sources said they did not have any record of dealing with Ms Innes as a patient in the Donegal area. Students at Scoil Mhuire Gan Smál, where Caitlín went to school, said prayers yesterday to remember their classmate.
The school's principal, Roisin Ui Fhearraigh, said it was a very difficult time for students and the Innes family. The Health Service Executive said trained staff were available to support relatives, classmates and teachers affected by the tragedy. "We are also there to offer our help to the schools with counselling services."
Ms Innes, a single mother, was originally from Bundoran, Co Donegal. She had lived in Letterkenny for several years and worked in McNutts, a weavers in Downings. She had recently completed a two-year business studies course in Letterkenny. Her employer said she left work last Friday in high spirits, looking forward to getting the keys to a new council house.