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Gardai acted with "great laxity" in murder investigation, defence tell jury
Summary
In a 2017 murder trial, defence counsel Bernard Condon SC argued that Gardaí had handled evidence with "great laxity," citing gaps and inconsistencies in the investigation of the 2015 shooting of 36‑year‑old Keith Walker. Condon highlighted unanswered questions, such as the absence of dark glasses that a detective claimed to have found, the four‑day gap between Walker's death and the discovery of a bag, gun, wig and glove, and conflicting witness statements about the identity of the man seen in women's clothing. He also questioned the forensic evidence linking the items to Christopher McDonald, noting that DNA from other sources was present and that McDonald's DNA on a glove was insufficient to prove guilt beyond reasonable doubt. Condon urged the jury to consider these shortcomings and to avoid jumping to conclusions, advocating a fair verdict of not guilty.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Gardai acted with "great laxity" in murder investigation, defence tell jury. Charges or matters: the murder of 36-year-old Keith Walker at Blanchardstown Pigeon Racing Club on the Shelerin Road, Clonsilla on June 12, 2015. Procedural stage: trial
When:
- June 12, 2015 Hearing Or Sentence
- June 13th Other
- 2017-07-06 Publication
Why: Counsel went on to tell the jury that life is a "strange tapestry" that never ceases to amaze and warned them that just because something seems to follow from another, they must consider if other rational explanations are present. CNI source report
Case subjects
Defendant
Charges: the murder of 36-year-old Keith Walker at Blanchardstown Pigeon Racing Club on the Shelerin Road, Clonsilla on June 12, 2015 (Alleged Or Contested)
Plea: Not guilty
Places mentioned
Topics
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