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Pigeon racing enthusiast died after suffering 18 bullet wounds, State Pathologist tells trial

Summary

The murder trial of Christopher McDonald, 34, from East Wall, Dublin, is ongoing at the Central Criminal Court. McDonald has pleaded not guilty to the alleged murder of 36-year-old Keith Walker on June 12, 2015, in the car park of the Blanchardstown Pigeon Racing Club on Shelerin Road, Clonsilla. State Pathologist Professor Marie Cassidy testified that Walker, a healthy individual, died quickly after suffering 18 bullet wounds to the head and body. She concluded the cause of death was multiple gunshot injuries, noting the wounds were consistent with rapid fire. Detective Garda David O'Leary presented a 9mm Makarov sub-machine gun found in a laneway off Sheepmoor Grove, along with a handbag and wig. He testified that the firearm, which had been reactivated by a skilled person, fired the bullets that killed Walker. The jury also heard from Jason O'Connor, a friend of the deceased, who stated that Walker was preparing for a pigeon racing trip to Manchester when he was shot. The trial continues before Justice Patrick McCarthy and a jury of twelve.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Pigeon racing enthusiast died after suffering 18 bullet wounds, State Pathologist tells trial. Charges or matters: the murder of 36-year-old Keith Walker on June 12 2015 in the car park of the Blanchardstown Pigeon Racing Club on Shelerin Road, Clonsilla. Procedural stage: trial

When:

• June 12 2015 Hearing Or Sentence
• June 12 Other
• 2017-06-23 Publication

Why: Having loaded the pigeons into the car, Mr Walker drove Mr O'Connor's partner's car to the club while Mr O'Connor remained at home because he was tired. CNI source report

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Trial Violent Crime

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Read the original CNI report