Courts / Kilkenny / Report

Blood on accused's clothing more likely due to "strike", staircase murder trial hears

Summary

In the Central Criminal Court, 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. A forensic scientist testified that blood stains on Veigulis's clothing were more likely caused by a strike than by CPR. The scientist described contact‑blood staining and a spatter pattern on a white hoodie belonging to Veigulis, concluding the pattern was consistent with force applied to wet blood. The prosecution argued that Apine's injuries were inconsistent with a fall, while the defence highlighted the possibility of a strike. Detective Sergeant James O'Brien gave evidence that he arrived at the scene after Apine had been removed, saw blood on the floor, and later arrested Veigulis on suspicion of murder. The trial also heard Veigulis's witness statement, in which he described the day's events and the discovery of Apine at the bottom of the stairs. The case remains at the trial stage.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Blood on accused's clothing more likely due to "strike", staircase murder 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
• 2018-11-21 Publication

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Trial Violent Crime

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Read the original CNI report