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Families of missing men tell woman's murder trial of last contact

Date
2025-10-16
Stage
Trial
Primary locality
Dublin
County
Dublin

Summary

At the Central Criminal Court, families of two men missing since 2014 provided testimony in the murder trial of Ruth Lawrence. The 45-year-old, from Mountnugent in County Meath, has pleaded not guilty to the murders of Anthony Keegan and Eoin O'Connor, whose remains were discovered on an island in May 2014. Karen Roche, Mr O'Connor's former partner, told the court that he received an unsettling phone call on 22 April 2014 and departed their home shortly after, never to return. Rory O'Connor, the victim's brother, spoke to Eoin by telephone that evening but received no further contact after 8.45pm. The prosecution alleges Mr O'Connor was a drug dealer and that financial disputes over approximately €70,000 provided motive. The trial, before Mr Justice Tony Hunt and jury, continues. The State argues the accused woman and her boyfriend acted together in the killings.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Families of missing men tell woman's murder trial of last contact. Charges or matters: murdering Anthony Keegan; murdering Eoin O'Connor. Procedural stage: trial

When:

Case subjects

Ruth Lawrence

Accused

Charges: murdering Anthony Keegan; murdering Eoin O'Connor (Alleged Or Contested)

Plea: Not guilty

Places mentioned

Secondary Mention
Residence
Facility
  • Mr Symes house
Journey Or Route
Garda Station
  • for Eoin at Santry Garda Station

Topics

Drugs Stage Trial Violent Crime

Related court reports

Read the original CNI report

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