Inquiry into Dublin jail death of James Hughes murder accused
The Irish police and prison service have launched an investigation into the death in custody of a man charged with murdering Crossmaglen man James Hughes.
Shane Rogers, 32, was found dead in a holding cell at Cloverhill courthouse in Dublin. He had been accused of shooting dead Mr Hughes 10 days ago.
Mr Rogers was on suicide watch and it is understood he took his own life.
James Hughes was in a taxi when he was shot outside a house at Cluain Ard in the Lis Na Dara estate in Dundalk.
Mr Hughes' female friend Patricia Byrne and taxi driver Anthony Callan were also injured in the attack which took place when the taxi arrived outside Ms Byrne's house in Dundalk.
Mr Rogers' parents, Sean and Mary, said they were absolutely devastated by their son's death.
"We would like to make it known that Shane had been broken-hearted over the death of Mr Hughes and the injuries to Ms Patricia Byrne and Mr Anthony Callan," they said.
"Shane was totally remorseful over what happened in the tragic events that Sunday morning."
Mr and Mrs Rogers added that they were also broken-hearted over the death of Mr Hughes.
Their statement was issued through the family's solicitor.
Shane Rogers handed himself in to Gardai after the shooting in the early hours of Sunday 11 December.
Mr Hughes was prominent in County Armagh GAA circles and was an All-Ireland club medal-winning captain of Crossmaglen Rangers.