Courts / Dublin / Report

Accused told gardai he shot Kenneth O'Brien and dismembered his body

Summary

Paul Wells Senior, aged 50, admitted to the Central Criminal Court that he shot and dismembered Kenneth O'Brien, a 33‑year‑old father, at his own home on 15 or 16 January 2016. Wells claimed that O'Brien had asked him to kill O'Brien's partner, Eimear Dunne, and that he had been in a dispute over a gun when he fired at O'Brien, killing him. Wells said he panicked and dismembered the body, which was later found in the Grand Canal and other locations. The prosecution presented evidence that the torso and limbs were recovered in plastic bags and that DNA matched O'Brien. The trial, presided over by Mr Justice Paul McDermott, is ongoing with a jury of twelve. The case remains at the trial stage. Paul Wells Senior pleaded not guilty.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Accused told gardai he shot Kenneth O'Brien and dismembered his body. Charges or matters: murdering the 33-year-old at the accused man's home on January 15 or 16, 2016. Procedural stage: trial

When:

• January 15 Hearing Or Sentence
• Friday January 15th Incident
• 15th January Other
• 2018-10-10 Publication

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Trial

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Read the original CNI report