Irish authorities are exploring “innovative mechanisms” to potentially bring Ahmed Al Saqar, the prime suspect in the murder of American-born Jamey Carney, back to Ireland from Jordan. According to Minister for Justice Jim O’Callaghan, while Ireland does not have a comprehensive bilateral extradition treaty with Jordan, Irish officials are in contact with their Jordanian counterparts to determine if the 28-year-old can be questioned or extradited. Al Saqar is currently being held in a Jordanian correctional and rehabilitation centre following his arrest by local authorities.
Status of the Murder Investigation
Jordanian authorities confirmed that they were notified by Irish officials regarding a Jordanian citizen suspected of killing an American woman in Ireland. Following this notification, Jordanian security agencies identified Al Saqar’s location and subsequently arrested him. The case has been referred to a prosecutor at the Jordanian Grand Criminal Court, which handles serious crimes. The prosecutor has ordered that Al Saqar be held in custody for 15 days while the investigation continues.
Gardaí consider Al Saqar, who was Carney’s boyfriend, the prime suspect in her death. According to investigative findings, Al Saqar allegedly left Ireland on July 7, traveling from Killarney to Dublin by coach and then by taxi to Dublin Airport. He boarded a Turkish Airlines flight to Istanbul at 10:40 a.m. Carney, who had moved to Killarney from Westchester County, New York, in May 2021, was discovered dead at her home on the Muckross Road at 1:00 p.m. that same day.
Did You Know?
The suspect, Ahmed Al Saqar, entered Ireland in 2024 by traveling from the UK into Northern Ireland before eventually settling in Killarney, where he formed a relationship with the victim.
Legal Challenges for Extradition
Under current Irish law, the path toward securing Al Saqar’s return is complex. The Extradition Act 1965 governs the process, which generally requires that the offense in question carries a prison sentence of more than one year. Furthermore, Gardaí are legally restricted from seeking the extradition of a suspect solely for the purpose of questioning them; they must be seeking the person for the purpose of charge or to serve an existing sentence.
Minister O’Callaghan acknowledged these limitations but indicated that the lack of a bilateral treaty should not necessarily prevent progress. He suggested that Irish authorities are actively pursuing non-standard diplomatic or legal avenues to advance the case. As part of the broader murder inquiry, Gardaí have also requested assistance and information from multiple other police forces.
Expert Insight:
The absence of a formal bilateral extradition treaty creates significant jurisdictional hurdles.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Ahmed Al Saqar currently in custody in Jordan?
He is being held for 15 days by order of a prosecutor at the Jordanian Grand Criminal Court to allow for an investigation following his arrest by Jordanian police.
Can Irish Gardaí legally force an extradition from Jordan?
There is no comprehensive bilateral extradition treaty between Ireland and Jordan. Minister for Justice Jim O’Callaghan stated that authorities are looking for “innovative mechanisms” to potentially question or bring the suspect back, as current Irish law generally prohibits extradition for the sole purpose of questioning.
What is known about the timeline of the suspect’s departure?
Gardaí believe Al Saqar departed Ireland on the morning of July 7, boarding a 10:40 a.m. flight to Istanbul. Jamey Carney was found dead at her home in Killarney at 1:00 p.m. that same day.
What impact might international cooperation have on the progress of this criminal investigation?
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