22-year-old Yousef Palani charged with murder of two Sligo men

A 22-year-old man has been charged with murdering Michael Snee and Aidan Moffitt in Sligo earlier this week.

Yousef Palani of Markievicz Heights Sligo is also charged with assault causing serious harm to another man in Sligo on April 9th last.

Palani appeared before Judge Sandra Murphy at 4.45pm, where solicitor Gerry McGovern asked for an “immediate” psychiatric assessment and that he be placed on suicide watch while in custody.

He was brought to court in the back of a garda van after a large group of people lined the streets between Sligo Garda Station and the courthouse. Palani has been remanded in custody and will appear in court again via video link on 21 April.

58-year-old Michael Snee was found dead in his home in Sligo town on Tuesday night, while Aidan Moffitt, 42, was found dead on Monday night.

Both men had suffered serious physical injuries due to a physical assault.

In the wake of the double tragedy, groups in Sligo and beyond have planned vigils in memory of the two men.

LGBT Ireland said it has been a dark week for the LGBTI+ community in Ireland.

Dublin: Friday, April 15, 6pm, Dáil Éireann.
Limerick: Monday, April 18, 6pm, Arthur’s Quay Park.
Sligo: Friday, April 15, 6pm, Sligo Town Hall.
Waterford: Friday, April 15, 10am in John Roberts Square
Galway: Saturday, April 16, 7pm in Eyre Square
Wexford: Friday, April 15, 7pm on Wexford Quay
Kilkenny: Friday, April 15, 6:30pm at the Town Hall
Louth: Friday, April 15, 6pm at the Tholsel in Drogheda
Tipperary: Clonmel, date and time to be confirmed.