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Kenneth O'Brien "executed in act of premeditation", State tell jury

Summary

In the murder trial of Paul Wells Senior, the prosecution argued that Kenneth O'Brien was not merely killed but executed in a premeditated act. Wells, aged 50, admitted shooting O'Brien, a 33‑year‑old, and dismembering his body. He claimed O'Brien had brought a gun to his home to force him to murder O'Brien's partner so he could take their child to Australia. Wells said a scuffle over the gun led to him shooting O'Brien in the back of the head, after which he panicked and used a chainsaw to chop the body, placing the torso in a suitcase and dumping it in the Grand Canal. The prosecutor presented evidence of a contact entry wound and other forensic findings to support the claim of premeditation, urging a guilty verdict. The defence questioned the plausibility of the alleged plan and the involvement of Wells's family in the disposal of the remains.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Kenneth O'Brien "executed in act of premeditation", State tell jury. Charges or matters: murdering the 33-year-old at his home in Barnamore Park on 15th or 16th January, 2016. Procedural stage: trial

When:

• 16th January Other
• Friday, 15th January Other
• 7th January Hearing Or Sentence
• 13th January Hearing Or Sentence
• 14th January Hearing Or Sentence
• 15th January Incident
• 2018-11-01 Publication

Why: We can also cry because we're caught," he said. CNI source report

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Trial Violent Crime

Read the original CNI report