American mother Jamey Carney was remembered as a devoted parent who had built a happy life in Ireland before her life was violently cut short. Carney, 43, a New York native, had moved to Ireland in 2021 with her teenage daughter. She was violently beaten and suffocated in her home in Killarney, County Kerry, last week. A suspect who was romantically involved with Carney was arrested in relation to the case in his home country after fleeing Ireland.
Mourners gathered at St. Mary's Cathedral in Killarney to pay their final respects during a service celebrating Carney's life. The service was attended by friends and family, and allowed others around the world to join in mourning through a livestream. During the service, Fr. Kieran O'Brien told mourners that the focus would be on celebrating Carney's life, rather than dwelling on her death.
Fr. O'Brien reflected on Carney's life, describing her as a woman whose "joy radiated" from her. He recalled her love of country music, travel, and spending time with friends. Carney had found happiness in simple things and had built a close circle of friends after moving to Killarney. Her daughter, Michaela, had also settled into life in Ireland, becoming involved in local sports and school.
Family members carried personal items to the altar to celebrate Carney's life, including photographs of her daughter and dog, as well as a cowboy hat symbolizing her love of country music. A framed photograph of Carney rested atop her coffin, which was draped in a white pall. As the coffin departed the cathedral, a guard of honor was formed by young members of a local sports club.
Detectives believe Carney was killed around 11 p.m. on a Monday, roughly 14 hours before her body was discovered by her 13-year-old daughter. The suspect had traveled to Dublin Airport and boarded a flight to Istanbul by the time the body was found. Authorities have not publicly identified the person they want to question in the investigation, but have confirmed that a male has been arrested in Jordan.
The investigation is ongoing, with Irish police working to determine the circumstances surrounding Carney's death. The FBI has offered to assist Irish authorities if requested, and the State Department is providing consular assistance to the family. Ireland does not have an extradition treaty with Jordan, where the suspect is being detained.
The suspect had been living in state-run accommodation for asylum seekers in Killarney before spending increasing amounts of time at Carney's home. His social media accounts contain posts from various countries, including the United Kingdom and Turkey. The case has sparked an outpouring of support for Carney's family, with many paying tribute to her memory.
