Courts / Kilkenny / Report

Jury hears emergency call made by man accused of murdering partner

Summary

In a 2018 trial at the Central Criminal Court, Renars Veigulis, aged 32, pleaded not guilty to the murder of his partner, Rita Apine, aged 29, who died at their Freshford home around 14 May 2017. The jury heard that Veigulis called emergency services at 12:18, claiming Apine had fallen down the stairs. He was described as distressed, breathing heavily, and crying during the call. He gave conflicting details about the fall, such as the height and the location of bleeding. Emergency‑call taker Laura Bunbury provided instructions on first aid and CPR, noting Veigulis's panic. Medical witnesses, including Dr Leonard de Villiers and paramedics, described a large head wound and extensive blood spatter in the house. The trial continued the following day with a jury of seven men and five women presiding by Ms Justice Tara Burns.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Jury hears emergency call made by man accused of murdering partner. Charges or matters: murdering Rita Apine (29) at their home on or about May 14, 2017. Procedural stage: trial

When:

• May 14, 2017 Hearing Or Sentence
• 2018-11-14 Publication

Why: In order to move her into space, her legs were bent at the knees which caused her legs to drag in blood, Mr Mythen said. CNI source report

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Trial Violent Crime

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Read the original CNI report