Courts / Kilkenny / Report

Murder accused said he heard "boom, boom, boom" and found partner at bottom of staircase

Summary

In a trial in Kilkenny, Renars Veigulis, aged 32, pleaded not guilty to the murder of his partner, Rita Apine, aged 29, who died on or about 14 May 2017 after falling down the stairs of their Freshford apartment. Veigulis told ambulance staff that he heard a "boom, boom, boom" and found Apine at the bottom of the staircase, claiming she had fallen. The prosecution argued that Apine's injuries were inconsistent with a fall, citing forensic evidence of blood spatter on the wall and on Veigulis's clothing, and a post‑mortem showing severe blunt‑force trauma. Veigulis's defence maintained that Apine died from the fall, and his 999 call was recorded as showing distress. The case is being heard by a jury presided over by Ms Justice Tara Burns.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Murder accused said he heard "boom, boom, boom" and found partner at bottom of staircase. 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
• June 2016 Other
• 2018-11-16 Publication

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Trial Violent Crime

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Read the original CNI report