Victim of fatal attack in Portlaoise has been named locally
A floral tribute was placed at lunchtime, today opposite the premises where a 55-year-old woman was fatally wounded in an attack on Sunday afternoon.
The 55-year-old victim of Sunday's fatal attack at a premises in Portlaoise has been named locally.
Adina Raluca Constantin was fatally injured when she was attacked at a premises on Church Street, Portlaoise, on Sunday last, shortly after 12.30pm.
The victim, who worked in the Dental Repair Service on Church Street, is Eastern European and had been living in Portlaoise for the past 15 years.
A man in his 70s continues to be held in garda custody.
Gardaí and emergency services responded to the incident shortly after 12.30pm.
The woman (55) was pronounced dead at the scene. It is understood she was known to the man who is currently detained in garda custody under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act, 1984.
The state pathologist has been notified, and a post-mortem examination will be arranged in due course. The scene is currently preserved for technical examination.
A senior investigating officer has been appointed to lead the investigation, and an incident room has been established at Portlaoise garda station.
Brian Stanley, Independent TD for Laois, knew the deceased as she had lived and worked across from his office for approximately 15 years.
“She was a very pleasant character and a very familiar face on the street here. You're thinking of her and a tragic loss of life and thinking of her family. Her family is overseas. It's a horrible thing to happen.” Gardaí are appealing for witnesses to this incident to come forward.
Anyone who was in the Church Street area on Sunday, 5 July 2026 between 11am and 1pm and who may have camera footage, including CCTV or dashcam, is asked to provide this footage to investigating gardaí.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Portlaoise Garda Station on 057 867 4100, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111 or any Garda station.
Investigations are ongoing.
