RIP: Gardai investigating disappearance of young boy in Dublin discover skeletal remains

Gardai investigating the disappearance of a young boy in Dublin more than four years ago have discovered skeletal remains.

For the first time, gardai have also confirmed the identity of the boy as Daniel Aruebose, who would now be seven years of age.

Confirming details of the grim discovery, a spokesperson said. "Today, Wednesday September 17 2025, An Garda Síochána has discovered human skeletal remains of a child. An Garda Síochána believes these to be the remains of Daniel Aruebose."

While the remains have not been formally identified, gardai say they are currently engaging with the local coroner in relation to the discovery of these remains.

"The remains will be subject to careful and sensitive exhumation from the current burial site," said the spokesperson.

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Investigations are ongoing into the disappearance of Daniel who is known to have resided at The Gallery Apartments at Donabate in north County Dublin. 

A major investigation was launched last month after concerns for Daniel were raised by The Child and Family Agency (TUSLA) to An Garda Síochána on Friday, August 29.

"Following enquiries carried out by and information available to investigating Gardaí to date, An Garda Síochána are satisfied that Daniel is deceased," said a spokesperson who renewed the gardai appeal for information.

Gardaí are appealing to anyone who has any information in relation to the death of Daniel to contact the investigation team at Swords garda station in Dublin on 01 666 4700, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111 or any member of An Garda Síochána.

Two days after being alerted by TUSLA, investigating gardaí carried out a technical examination of an apartment at The Gallery Apartments, Donabate, County Dublin. 

Gardaí have, and continue to carry out house to house enquiries at The Gallery Apartments complex and they are appealing to any person who was resident in the apartment complex between July 2019 to the present date to speak with the investigation team.

The skeletal remains, believed to be those of Daniel, were found in an area of open ground in Donabate which has been under the control of gardai since Monday, September 1. Painstaking searches have been carried out since, resulting in this Wednesday's discovery.

The garda investigation is being led by a Senior Investigation Officer (SIO) based out of an incident room established at Swords garda station. 

Gardaí say the investigation is fully resourced and that local gardai in Swords are being supported by a number of national units including the Garda National Technical Bureau, Garda Air Support Unit, Garda Dog Unit and the Garda Síochána Analysis Service.

External expertise including a Forensic Anthropologist, Forensic Archaeologist and specialist PSNI Cadaver Dogs have been utilised.

"An Garda Síochána is appealing to the public not to assume that the investigation team know information that you may have or that any information you may have is insignificant.  Please contact An Garda Síochána and let the investigation team determine the significance of any information," said a spokesperson.

Investigating gardai say they are aware of the extensive public commentary on this investigation and they are appealing to members of the public to verify any content that they may be seeing in relation to the investigation, including speculation, rumours and theories on what may have happened to Daniel.