Over 400 statements taken in Daniel Aruebose murder inquiry, one year on

Gardaí have collected over 400 statements and conducted 800 investigative jobs in the year since Tusla raised concerns about three-year-old Daniel Aruebose.

One year on: Gardaí mark anniversary of Daniel Aruebose investigation

Gardaí have taken more than 400 statements over the past twelve months in connection with the murder of three-year-old Daniel Aruebose, TheJournal.ie reports, as the investigation reaches the one-year mark since child protection agency Tusla first raised concerns about the boy on 29 August 2025.

Daniel was last seen alive at his home in the Gallery Apartments in Donabate, north County Dublin. His human remains were recovered on open ground in the area on 17 September last year, with DNA analysis subsequently confirming the identity. A post-mortem examination was carried out at Dublin City Mortuary; results have not been made public for operational reasons. A formal homicide investigation was opened on 11 December.

Over the course of the year, the investigation team has completed 800 individual jobs, retained more than 100 physical exhibits, and accumulated nearly 300 documentary exhibits. Two people have been arrested and detained in connection with the case, both later released without charge.

In December, a woman in her 20s was arrested on suspicion of murder before being released. Around the same time, police in Brazil arrested an Irish man in connection with Daniel's death. A man in his 20s was subsequently arrested by gardaí in February this year, in an operation understood to have taken place as he arrived on a flight at Dublin Airport.

The investigation has expanded well beyond Irish borders. Gardaí have coordinated with law enforcement authorities in the United States, Brazil, France, the United Kingdom, Australia, and Portugal. Interpol and the Embassy of the United Arab Emirates have also been engaged. The garda statement confirmed that coordination has additionally been maintained with the Police Service of Northern Ireland, the Director of Public Prosecutions, and the relevant channels for Mutual Legal Assistance, to gather critical evidence and facilitate international legal requests.

In an official statement, An Garda Síochána described Daniel as "a happy, vibrant young boy" and said the force is "determined to vindicate Daniel's human rights and remember him and his short life."

Daniel was placed in foster care from birth in December 2017. His former foster sister, who spoke to TheJournal.ie last September, said she regarded him as a brother. "He was the sweetest little baby ever, we were all absolutely beside ourselves [when we got him]. He was so cute," she said.

She recalled that Daniel was returned to his biological family the day before his first birthday, and continued to visit the foster family on a part-time basis for roughly six months after that. The last time she saw him was in the summer of 2019.

"He was so clever," his foster sister said. "He already had a strong personality, he loved dancing, he loved laughing, and he loved showing off that he understood you. We'd go 'where's the light?' and he'd know from only a few months old, he'd point up at the light. He was just a very clever baby."

The foster family had previously cared for a number of other children before Daniel was placed with them, and his former foster sister said the news that skeletal remains had been found in Donabate left them devastated.

Gardaí are appealing to anyone with information about Daniel's disappearance or death to contact the investigation team directly at Swords Garda Station on 01 666 4700, or the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111. Any member of An Garda Síochána can also be approached.

The force is specifically appealing to anyone who lived in the Gallery Apartments complex in Donabate at any point between July 2019 and the present to come forward. Gardaí have also urged the public to refrain from sharing unverified speculation or rumours, and have emphasised that all contact with the investigation team will be treated in strict confidence.

Source: TheJournal.ie