Reece Cullen inquest hears criminal proceedings are being contemplated

By Louise Roseingrave

A 16-year-old schoolboy died of a stab wound to the chest, an inquest into his death heard.

Reece Cullen of Bawnlea Crescent, Tallaght, Dublin 24 died on January 5th last after he was attacked near his home. 

The teenager was rushed to Tallaght Hospital following the attack where he later died.

Regarded locally as a talented boxer, the teen had been bereaved just months previously with the loss of his mother Ann Marie Cullen in September 2016.

Detective Inspector John Walsh of Tallaght Garda Station said the matter was under continued investigation by Gardai.

Mr Cullen died despite efforts to save him and was pronounced dead at Tallaght Hospital by Dr Jean O’Sullivan at 3.47pm.

Dublin Coroner’s Court heard the young man was formally identified to Gardai by his grandmother Ann Cullen at the emergency department in Tallaght Hospital on the day of his death.

Garda Brian O’Reilly identified the remains to deputy state pathologist Dr Linda Mulligan for postmortem examination.

In her autopsy Dr Mulligan found the young man died as a result of a stab wound to the chest. Mr Cullen had been attacked at Kilclare Crescent, a cul-de-sac which was sealed off for forensic examination following his death.

Det Insp Walsh sought a six month adjournment of the inquest as criminal proceedings are being contemplated and Coroner Dr Myra Cullinane adjourned the inquest until October 5 2017.