Gardaí have upgraded the inquiry into the disappearance of toddler Daniel Aruebose in north Dublin to a homicide investigation.
Daniel’s remains were found in open ground in Donabate in September. His birth certificate shows that today, December 12, would have been his eighth birthday. He was last seen alive at his home four and a half years ago, when he was just three years old.
Gardaí are renewing their appeal for information.
“Following enquiries conducted to date and based on information available to investigating gardaí, An Garda Síochána has commenced a homicide investigation into Daniel’s death,” a statement released on Thursday evening read.
“Gardaí continue to keep Daniel’s family informed of all developments in this ongoing criminal investigation.
“Gardaí in Swords continue to investigate all of the circumstances surrounding the death of Daniel Aruebose.
“Tomorrow, December 12, would have been Daniel’s 8th birthday. On 17th September Gardaí recovered the human remains of a child on open ground in Donabate. DNA analysis has since confirmed these remains to be those of Daniel.”
“An Garda Síochána is again appealing to the public for any information that may assist in the investigation into the homicide of Daniel Aruebose. Members of the public are urged not to assume that gardaí already possess information they may hold, or that any detail is too small or insignificant,” they added.
“The investigation team will determine the relevance of any information provided.
“All contact will be welcomed and treated in the strictest confidence.”
Daniel, who lived in the Gallery apartments in the north Dublin suburb, had not been seen for a number of years before his death. Gardaí believe that Daniel died, or was killed, when he was aged about three years old in 2021, with his remains taken to the field and buried there.
The child had been placed with a foster family on the day he was born and remained with the family for a year. His parents had intended to place the child for adoption, however they had a change of heart one year in and Daniel was returned to them. Tusla oversaw Daniel’s care, with the agency involved with the family until 2020, when he was aged two.
The fact the child was missing only emerged when officials at the Department of Social Protection made checks on a social welfare payment, related to Daniel, that was being claimed. Staff became suspicious when they were not able to secure any proof of his whereabouts.
In September, the foster family who cared for Daniel Aruebose for the first 18 months of his life described their devastation. His foster sister remembered him as a baby who loved to sing and dance, describing him as an important part of their family.