Courts / Cork / Report
Text messages between deceased and murder accused were of good nature, court hears
Summary
In a murder trial, the court heard that text messages exchanged between the deceased, Olivia Dunlea, and the accused, Darren Murphy, were of a friendly nature in the days leading up to her death. Murphy, 37, pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter, and also pleaded guilty to arson on Dunlea's home. The court noted that for about three months prior to the incident, the pair were "an item." On the night before her death, they were at the Rochestown Inn, then had a quarrel at home. Murphy claimed he "just snapped" after a confrontation, describing a rapid escalation to a knife attack. Garda testimony indicated extensive texting of a good nature, no evidence of conflict, and that Dunlea's phone was destroyed by Murphy. The case proceeded to a jury hearing on Monday.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Text messages between deceased and murder accused were of good nature, court hears. Charges or matters: murdering Olivia Dunlea (36) at Pembroke Crescent, Passage West, Co Cork on February 17 2013; a second charge of arson on the deceased woman's home on the same date. Procedural stage: trial
When:
- February 17 2013 Other
- February 17 Hearing Or Sentence
- Saturday February 16 2013 Hearing Or Sentence
- October 2006 Hearing Or Sentence
- 2014-05-23 Publication
Why: However Ms Dunlea's phone could not be read because it had been thrown down a toilet by the accused and was damaged. 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 of arson on the deceased woman's home on the same date (Alleged Or Contested)
Plea: Not guilty
Places mentioned
Topics
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