Courts / Kilkenny / Report
"Two different faces, two different bodies": woman tells murder trial of identifying friend's body
Summary
In the Central Criminal Court, a woman identified the body of her friend Rita Apine, whose partner Renars Veigulis is on trial for her murder. Veigulis, 32, pleaded not guilty to killing Apine, 29, at their Freshford home on 14 May 2017. He claimed Apine fell down the stairs, but prosecutors argued the injuries were inconsistent with a fall. Evidence from Latvian national Gatis Kuhalskis, a former colleague, indicated Veigulis told him Apine had fallen and hit her head on a child‑safety gate, yet Veigulis denied witnessing the fall. Estonian national Julia Sinjagina, a close friend, confirmed Apine's identity after her death, noting the body's face and body were "two different faces, two different bodies." Forensic findings showed blood spatter inconsistent with a fall and severe blunt‑force trauma, contradicting Veigulis's account. The trial continues before a jury presided by Justice Tara Burns.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: "Two different faces, two different bodies": woman tells murder trial of identifying friend's body. 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
- 2018-11-15 Publication
Why: Ms Apine was like a daughter to her, Ms Sinjagina said, because she was the same age as her own daughter. CNI source report
Case subjects
Accused
Charges: murdering Rita Apine (29) at their home on or about May 14, 2017 (Alleged Or Contested)
Plea: Not guilty
Places mentioned
Topics
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