Courts / Tipperary / Report
Search for "rate of human decomposition" on computer seized from Patrick Quirke's home
Summary
In March 2019 the Central Criminal Court heard that a computer seized from Patrick Quirke's home was used to search Google for "rate of human decomposition" in December 2012, 18 months after Bobby Ryan disappeared and four months before Ryan's body was found on land leased by Quirke. The search led to articles titled "The five stages of decomposition" and "How the human body decomposes after death," and to YouTube videos about body farms. The court also heard that Quirke, aged 50, sent emails to Vodafone.ie on 12 and 13 May 2013 requesting call and text logs for 2–5 June 2011. Quirke has pleaded not guilty to Ryan's murder, which the prosecution alleges he committed to rekindle an affair with Ryan's girlfriend, Mary Lowry, aged 52. The evidence presented was part of the ongoing trial before Justice Eileen Creedon and a jury of twelve.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Search for "rate of human decomposition" on computer seized from Patrick Quirke's home. Charges or matters: the murder of part-time DJ Bobby Ryan. Procedural stage: trial
When:
- December 2012 Hearing Or Sentence
- May 12 Hearing Or Sentence
- June 2 Hearing Or Sentence
- June 5, 2011 Hearing Or Sentence
- June 3, 2011 Other
- April 2013 Other
- December 3, 2012 Other
- 25 July 2012 Other
- July 4, 2012 Other
- June 2014 Other
- May 2015 Other
- May 1, 2013 Other
- May 5, 2013 Other
- June 2011 Other
- May 15, 2013 Other
- 2019-03-21 Publication
Case subjects
Accused
Charges: the murder of part-time DJ Bobby Ryan (Alleged Or Contested)
Plea: Not guilty
Places mentioned
- Patrick Quirke's house
- Central Criminal Court
Topics
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