Courts / Dublin / Report

Accused said "voices in head" made her stab flatmate to death

Summary

A 46‑year‑old woman, Mercy Peters, is on trial at the Central Criminal Court for the murder of her 42‑year‑old flatmate, Tyrone McKenna, who was stabbed to death on 17 July 2014 in their South Dublin home. Peters pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity, claiming that voices in her head compelled her to stab McKenna. The trial, which began on 7 May 2019, is a two‑day hearing before a jury of eight men and two women. Testimony from Sergeant David Bunn and psychiatric experts, including Professor Aiden Corvin and Dr Sally Linehan, details Peters' history of schizophrenia and a severe episode at the time of the offence, during which she reportedly heard her dead mother's voice urging her to act. The court has not yet delivered a verdict, and the case remains before Mr Justice Michael White.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Accused said "voices in head" made her stab flatmate to death. Procedural stage: trial

When:

• July 17, 2014 Hearing Or Sentence
• 2019-05-07 Publication

Why: Sgt Bunn explained that, while the ambulance crew was in the house, the accused had said that she was going to the shops. CNI source report

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Trial Violent Crime

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Read the original CNI report