Family members say the body of Andrew Hanlon (20), from Dundrum, Dublin, will be cremated, as that was his preference.

Andrew was shot up to seven times after police responded to reports of a burglary in the rural Oregon town of Silverton last Monday, June 30.

His mother Dorothea is due to arrive in the US town on Thursday, and the family will then meet with the District Attorney overseeing the case for the first time.

Andrew's sister Melanie Heise said yesterday that her mother would be anxious to bring his body home: "As it will be nearly two weeks by then, she will want to take him home for a memorial service.

"Andrew is fully embalmed now, so we are hoping his body could be in Ireland next weekend. He would like that -- he liked it here, but home is home.

"He was well known in Silverton and a service is being organised for him in an as yet unconfirmed location, but it will be out in nature, just like he loved."

On returning to Ireland, Andrew's body will be cremated and his sister expects half the ashes will be flown to back to family in America.

Mrs Heise added: "The police here have told us nothing more and said they are not going to give us any more information. They have closed ranks and it remains very internal within the force.

"The case is in the hands of a multi-task force formed by the police and is a closed investigation. We won't hear anything until the grand jury case in three weeks' time."