2022-07-07 · Waterford
Prosecution closes case in Dean Kerrie murder trial
The prosecution finished its case in the trial of Dean Kerrie, a 20‑year‑old accused of murdering 25‑year‑old fisherman Jack Power in July 2018. On the final day, forensic expert Dr Stephen Clifford presented DNA evidence from items found in Kerrie's home, including a knife in the kitchen that matched Power's DNA and a second knife with an incomplete DNA mix. Blood stains on a white scarf and on a pair of shorts also matched Power and Kerrie's mother, Ann Fitzgerald. The jury heard that Kerrie, who was 17 at the time of the murder, had called 999 at 3.44 am, claiming he stabbed Power in self‑defence. Witness Christopher Lee denied that Power had forced entry and accused Kerrie of deliberately killing him. The defence announced plans to call technical witnesses, and the judge scheduled the next phase of the trial for the following day. Dean Kerrie pleaded not guilty.