Courts / Cork / Report
Woman could have been paralysed by stab wound before inhaling fumes, murder trial hears
Summary
In a murder trial, a 36‑year‑old woman found dead in her burning home may have died from a stab wound to her neck or from inhaling fire fumes. The court heard that the victim, Olivia Dunlea, was discovered face‑down on her bed in Passage West on 17 February 2013. State Pathologist Professor Marie Cassidy testified that she saw two deep stab wounds behind the victim's right ear, one penetrating the upper cervical spinal canal, and four shallow wounds on the front of the neck. She also found soot in the lungs and a high carbon monoxide level, indicating inhalation of toxic smoke. Cassidy concluded the cause of death was a neck stab wound combined with inhalation of fire fumes, noting that the spinal injury could have caused paralysis and rapid collapse. The accused, Darren Murphy, pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter and is on trial at the Central Criminal Court.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Woman could have been paralysed by stab wound before inhaling fumes, murder trial hears. Charges or matters: her murder but guilty to her manslaughter and is on trial at the Central Criminal Court. Procedural stage: trial
When:
- February 17, 2013 Hearing Or Sentence
- 2017-05-23 Publication
Case subjects
Defendant
Charges: her murder but guilty to her manslaughter and is on trial at the Central Criminal Court (Alleged Or Contested)
Plea: Not guilty
Places mentioned
- Pembroke Crescent
- Cork
- Central Criminal Court
- being detained in Togher Garda Station
Topics
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