Courts / Cork / Report
Murder accused told gardai he "snapped" and stabbed girlfriend, jury hears
Summary
In a murder trial at the Central Criminal Court, Darren Murphy, aged 40, pleaded not guilty to the murder of Olivia Dunlea, aged 36, but admitted killing her. The prosecution, represented by senior counsel Thomas Creed, outlined that on 16 February 2013, Murphy and Dunlea had been drinking at the Rochestown Inn, then returned to her home where a fight reportedly occurred. Murphy allegedly left Dunlea at her front door and later returned, claiming he had "snapped." He allegedly grabbed a knife from a bed and stabbed Dunlea multiple times. Firefighters found a body with six stab wounds; the State Pathologist concluded Dunlea died from a neck wound or inhalation of toxic fumes. Murphy's clothing at the scene did not match his statement, and he was arrested on suspicion of murder. The trial continues before a jury of 12.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Murder accused told gardai he "snapped" and stabbed girlfriend, jury hears. Charges or matters: the murder of Olivia Dunlea (36) at Pembroke Crescent, Passage West, Co Cork on February 17 2013 but has admitted killing her. Procedural stage: trial
When:
- February 17 2013 Hearing Or Sentence
- Saturday, February 16, 2013 Incident
- 2017-05-16 Publication
Why: Mr Murphy explained that he had been wearing the second set of clothing when he was in the Rochestown Inn with Ms Dunlea and this matched the clothing he had described in his statement. CNI source report
Case subjects
Defendant
Charges: the murder of Olivia Dunlea (36) at Pembroke Crescent, Passage West, Co Cork on February 17 2013 but has admitted killing her (Alleged Or Contested)
Plea: Not guilty
Places mentioned
- Cork
- Pembroke Crescent
- Central Criminal Court
- Olivia's house
- and taken to Togher Garda station
Topics
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