Irish police have opened a homicide investigation into the death of Daniel Aruebose, whose remains were discovered in a shallow grave on wasteland in Donabate, north Dublin in September.
A police spokesman confirmed on Thursday evening DNA testing had verified the remains belonged to Daniel, who would have celebrated his eighth birthday on Friday.
"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 police statement said.
Officers believe the child died more than four years ago, before reaching his fourth birthday.
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Concerns about Daniel's welfare first emerged in late August when Tusla, Ireland's child and family agency, alerted Gardaí on August 29.
The young boy had been living at The Gallery Apartments in Donabate but had not been seen for several years before the investigation.
On September 17, investigators recovered human remains from open ground in the north Dublin area.
Daniel Aruebose had spent the first year of his life in foster care at his parents' request before being reunited with them.
The remains of Daniel Aruebose were discovered in north Dublin, in September
|PA
He then divided his time between his biological parents and foster family for six months before returning permanently to his parents' care.
Irish police have renewed their appeal for assistance from the public.
"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," the Gardai statement said.
"The investigation team will determine the relevance of any information provided."
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Tributes have been laid near where police made the grim discovery
|PA
"Gardaí continue to keep Daniel's family informed of all developments in this ongoing criminal investigation," the statement added.
No arrests have been made in connection with the case to date.
The Police also issued a warning regarding online speculation surrounding the case.
"An Garda Síochána is aware of the extensive public commentary that has circulated in relation to this investigation," the statement said.
"Gardaí are appealing to all members of the public to verify any information they encounter—particularly speculation, rumours, or theories about what may have happened to Daniel," they said.
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