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Murder accused told gardaí he lit deceased woman's home on fire because he didn't want her kids to find her
Summary
A 37‑year‑old man, Darren Murphy, was accused of murdering Olivia Dunlea, 36, in Passage West, Cork, on 17 February 2013. He pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter, and he also pleaded guilty to arson on the victim's home. During the trial, Murphy admitted to handing over a pair of clothes to Gardaí that were not his, claiming they were worn on the night the body was found. He explained that a heated argument in a taxi and at the victim's house led him to stab her twice with a knife he described as a long blade with a red handle. Murphy said he lit the house on fire because he did not want her three children to find her body. He also admitted to suffering from depression and having stopped taking medication. The case was set to continue before a jury the following day.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Murder accused told gardaí he lit deceased woman's home on fire because he didn't want her kids to find her. Charges or matters: murdering Olivia Dunlea (36) at Pembroke Crescent, Passage West, Co Cork on February 17 2013; a second charge that of arson on the deceased woman's home; the killing of her and you will have to decide whether that killing was murder." The case continues tomorrow before a jury of 7 men and 5 women with Mr Justice Paul Carney presiding. Procedural stage: trial
When:
- February 17 2013 Other
- 2014-05-21 Publication
Why: by Ruaidhri Giblin A 37-year-old man accused of murdering a woman he had been "an item" with for three months, told gardaí he lit her house on fire because he didn't want the kids to find her, a jury has heard. CNI source report
Case subjects
Accused
Charges: murdering Olivia Dunlea (36) at Pembroke Crescent, Passage West, Co Cork on February 17 2013; a second charge that of arson on the deceased woman's home; the killing of her and you will have to decide whether that killing was murder." The case continues tomorrow before a jury of 7 men and 5 women with Mr Justice Paul Carney presiding (Alleged Or Contested)
Plea: Not guilty
Places mentioned
Topics
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