Wednesday 28 October 2026Compiled from published reports. Every claim links to its source.

Ireland Crime

Every case followed from the first report to the sentence, or to where the reporting stopped.

Case No. 6761Fatal shooting · Co. Dublin · 30 Dec 2020

DPP upholds decision not to prosecute gardaí over George Nkencho shooting

On 30 December 2020, George Nkencho, a 27-year-old man, was shot dead by gardaí in the front garden of his family's home in Clonee, Dublin 15. He was shot several times by the Garda Armed Support Unit after he appeared to lunge at gardaí with a knife, following an alleged assault at a nearby shop, and tasers and pepper spray had been used first. The Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission (GSOC, now Fiosrú) investigated, and the DPP decided not to prosecute the gardaí involved. After the family appealed, the DPP upheld that decision, as confirmed at Dublin District Coroner's Court on 4 April 2025, and the inquest is adjourned to 16 May 2025.

  1. Reportednot reported
  2. Arrestednot reported
  3. Chargednot reported
  4. In court4 Apr
  5. Verdict
  6. Sentenced
reportedhappened, not reportedlatest stagenot yet

Key facts

consolidated from all reports
What happened
  • George Nkencho, a 27-year-old man, was shot dead by gardaí.
  • He was shot several times by the Garda Armed Support Unit.
Where
The shooting happened in the front garden of his family's house in Clonee, Dublin 15, County Dublin.
When
The shooting occurred on 30 December 2020.
Cause
He appeared to lunge at gardaí with a knife after an alleged assault at a nearby shop.
Weapon
He was armed with a knife, and tasers and pepper spray were used in a bid to subdue him before the shooting.
Investigation
The Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission (GSOC, now Fiosrú) investigated the shooting.
Charges
  • Following the investigation, the DPP decided not to prosecute the gardaí involved.
  • After an appeal by the family, the DPP upheld its decision not to prosecute, as confirmed at Dublin District Coroner's Court on 4 April 2025.
In court
  • The inquest opened in June 2021 and was adjourned several times, including in October 2024 after the family requested a review.
  • The inquest is adjourned to 16 May 2025, and Fiosrú's application to be nominated as an interested person is pending a ruling.
Other details
  • His family said he was suffering from mental health issues and was highly critical of the level of force used on the day.
  • He was described as the first person of colour fatally shot by a Garda member.
11 statements extracted from the articles
  • whatThe DPP upheld its decision not to prosecute gardaí involved in the fatal shooting of George Nkencho. (irishtimes.com)
  • whatHe was shot several times by the Garda Armed Support Unit. (irishtimes.com)
  • whatHe appeared to lunge at gardaí with a knife after an alleged assault at a nearby shop. (irishtimes.com)
  • whatTasers and pepper spray were used in a bid to subdue him before the shooting. (irishtimes.com)
  • whenThe shooting occurred on 30 December 2020. (irishtimes.com)
  • investigationAn investigation was conducted by the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission (GSOC, now Fiosrú). (irishtimes.com)
  • courtThe inquest first opened in June 2021. (irishtimes.com)
  • courtThe inquest was adjourned to 16 May 2025. (irishtimes.com)
  • otherHe was the first person of colour fatally shot by a Garda member. (irishtimes.com)
  • otherHis family said he was suffering from mental health issues. (irishtimes.com)
  • otherHis family was highly critical of the level of force used on the day of his death. (irishtimes.com)

The reporting

newest first
  1. 4 Apr2025
    In courtirishtimes.com, first report
    DPP maintains decision not to prosecute over fatal shooting of George Nkencho

    DPP decision not to prosecute confirmed at Dublin District Coroner's Court; inquest adjourned to 16 May 2025; Fiosrú application to be nominated as interested person pending ruling.

    victim, George Nkencho, 27, male, non-irish (judged from name)George Nkenchosuspect