An inquest into the deaths of Roscommon man Aidan Moffitt and Galway man Michael Snee, who died violently in their homes last April, heard both men suffered multiple sharp force injuries to the neck and head.
In the case of Aidan Moffitt, the inquest heard he also sustained sharp force injuries to his chest, which contributed to his death.
The inquests for both men were opened to facilitate issuing death certificates. Proceedings were adjourned to an unspecified future date following the conclusion of legal proceedings in the Central Criminal Court next November.
Auctioneer and businessman Aidan Moffitt (41) of 4 Cartron Heights, Sligo town, was found dead at his home on April 11, 2022, while the body of retired care worker Michael Snee (58) was discovered at his home at 24 City View Apartments, Connaughton Road just over 24 hours later. A preliminary hearing of the inquest into their deaths at Sligo Coroner's Court yesterday heard from the coroner, Mr Eamon MacGowan, that the results of the post-mortem examination carried out by state pathologist Dr Sally Anne Collis on Mr Moffitt confirmed he died from multiple sharp force injuries to his head, neck and chest.
The autopsy report for Mr Snee confirmed he died from multiple sharp force injuries to his neck and chest. Three members of Mr Snee's family were present in court for the opening of his inquest. Detective Inspector Ray Mulderrig of Sligo Garda Station told the coroners court the discovery of Aidan Moffitt's body at 8.27 pm on April 11, and Michael Snee's remains at 10.26 pm on April 12 sparked a major criminal investigation. Det Insp Mulderrig told coroner Eamon Macgowan that an individual was arrested and interviewed in relation to the deaths of both men. Following directions from the DPP, this individual was charged with the murder of Michael Snee and Aidan Moffitt on April 14, the preliminary hearing heard.
Yosef Palani is currently in custody and is due to stand trial for the murders of both men and the attempted murder of another man on November 13, 2023, at the Central Criminal Court in Dublin.
