The asylum seeker accused of murdering Jamey Carney, a 43-year-old New York native, in Ireland had previously married her in an Islamic ceremony. Ahmad Al-Saqar, 28, is now believed to be hiding in Jordan after fleeing Ireland following Carney's death.
Carney, who relocated to Killarney, Ireland, with her daughter in 2001, reportedly met Al-Saqar about 18 months ago at a pro-Palestinian rally. Al-Saqar posted a TikTok video earlier this year showing Carney wearing a ring, with the caption, "My bride and my princess."
According to a Palestinian friend who lived with Al-Saqar, he stated that he and Carney had gone to a mosque and agreed to be husband and wife, a declaration that, in Islam, requires public notification. Al-Saqar had been permitted to remain in Ireland despite his asylum claim being denied.
Police suspect Carney was beaten with a toilet cistern lid and then suffocated in her bed. Her body was discovered by her 13-year-old daughter in their rented home. Neighbors had reported hearing an argument from the residence.
Authorities believe Al-Saqar fled Ireland within 12 hours of Carney's death, traveling by bus to Dublin and then taking a flight to Istanbul. He is thought to be in remote tribal areas of Jordan, where he has contacts.
Carney had reportedly decided to end the relationship in recent months due to Al-Saqar becoming possessive. A week before her death, she had confided in a friend that Al-Saqar had asked her for the equivalent of $5,700.
US authorities are collaborating with Irish police and Europol to ascertain Al-Saqar's whereabouts. While the U.S. has an extradition treaty with Jordan, such extraditions are rare. The U.S. National Central Bureau, which includes personnel from the Department of Justice and the Department of Homeland Security, is monitoring the investigation. Carney's family in New York plans to request U.S. support for the Irish authorities. Her mother and sister have traveled to Ireland to support her daughter and have initiated a GoFundMe to cover funeral expenses. The fundraiser has garnered over $20,000.