Courts / Kilkenny / Report
Murder accused's neighbours witnessed nothing "untoward", trial hears
Summary
The trial of Renars Veigulis, aged 32, for the murder of his partner Rita Apine, aged 29, began on 19 November 2018. Veigulis pleaded not guilty and claimed Apine fell down the stairs, while the prosecution argued her injuries were inconsistent with a fall. Both were Latvian; they had lived in Freshford since 2016. Garda Edward Laffin testified that he saw a "considerable amount of blood" at the scene and that neighbours reported nothing "untoward" before the incident. Detective Garda Ronan Lawlor described the forensic findings: a two‑bedroom terraced house with a hallway and stairs, blood on the floor, a slipper soaked in blood, and airborne blood stains on walls and ceiling. CCTV footage showed medical staff and Gardaí around the house and Veigulis' movements. The case proceeded to a jury of seven men and five women under Ms Justice Tara Burns.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Murder accused's neighbours witnessed nothing "untoward", trial hears. 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
- 2018-11-19 Publication
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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