THE 54 year old man who was found stabbed to death at his Wickham Street apartment on Friday has been described as a “very well liked” member of the community. It is believed that Martin Purcell, a father of two and former Eircom worker, was known to his attacker, as no signs of forced entry to his apartment were found by investigating gardaí at Henry Street. The Assistant State Pathologist Dr Khalid Jabbar attended the scene and confirmed that Mr Purcell died from multiple stab wounds.
Forensic and technical examinations were carried out at the Wickham Street apartment and extended to a second flat on Upper Gerald Griffin Street.
It is understood that a possible murder weapon was recovered during the weekend.
Mr. Purcell was not known to gardaí and was last seen in the Wickham Street area on Wednesday September 28, two days before he was found dead.
A 32-year-old man was arrested on Sunday afternoon in connection to the murder.
He is being detained at Henry Street Garda Station under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act.
Superintendent Frank O’Brien told a press briefing that Mr. Purcell was a very well liked member of the community.
“He comes from a very well known family in Limerick and worked all his life.
“Unfortunately, in recent years he suffered a degree of disability, which prevented him from carrying out a full-time job, but he was very well liked in the area”.
The victim is survived by his son Barry and daughter Amy, sisters Angela and Susan and brother Barry.
