An Irish teenager has been charged with murdering a 49-year-old man he allegedly met through Grindr.
Nathan Hanlon, 19, from Castleview, Ballyneale, Carrick-on-Suir, County Tipperary, is accused of killing Ian Walsh, whose body was discovered at his home in Carrick-on-Suir on 4 August.
Meeting Through Grindr
According to the Irish Times, the two men exchanged messages on the app, where Walsh allegedly shared his sexual preferences and sent explicit photos.
Walsh, an Irish Rail employee, is said to have collected Hanlon at 3.30 am on 2 August before returning with him to his home.
Details of the Killing
The High Court heard that Walsh had been stabbed 11 times in the neck and back. Bloodstains were reportedly found on the stairs and front door.
Prosecutor Gillian Finane said investigators matched the men’s Grindr profiles to their addresses. Forensic analysis allegedly linked Hanlon to the crime scene through fingerprints, palm prints, and DNA found on the waistband of blood-stained boxers.
CCTV footage reportedly showed Hanlon in the area around 7.30 am carrying a rucksack and a bag.
Evidence Recovered
A search of Hanlon’s family home on 20 August uncovered:
- An Irish Rail journal belonging to Walsh
- An Aldi bag containing blood-stained pants, tissue paper, and the blade of a knife
Detective Inspector Declan Boland told the court he believed Hanlon had disposed of the murder weapon, which has not been recovered.
Court Proceedings
Justice Siobhan Lankford denied Hanlon’s bail application and adjourned the case until later this month.
