A man has been brought before the court on charges of murdering his father, mother, and brother. Robert O’Connor, aged 31 and residing in Drumgowna, Louth Village, faced accusations of killing his father Mark, aged 54, mother Louise, aged 56, and brother Evan, aged 27, at their residence in the village. The bodies were found around 10am on Monday.
Appearing in front of Judge Stephanie Coggans at a special session of Drogheda District Court, Robert was formally charged with three counts of murder. Garda Sane O’Malley from Drogheda Garda Station provided testimony regarding the arrest, charging, and cautioning of Robert for the three murder charges.
Robert was taken into custody at 4:43pm at Drogheda Garda Station and remained silent after being cautioned. The accused’s solicitor, Paul James Moore, requested a psychiatric evaluation, mentioning the accused’s history with mental health services since the age of 22. Judge Coggans approved the psychiatric assessment and granted legal aid for Mr. Moore to have legal representation.
Given the nature of the charges, Robert did not apply for bail during the District Court appearance, as murder bail hearings are reserved for the High Court. He was ordered to remain in custody until his next appearance at Drogheda District Court scheduled for Monday, October 6, via video link.
