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Murder accused disguised herself as grandmother in 'charade', prosecution say

Summary

The Central Criminal Court heard the prosecution's closing submissions in the trial of Kieran Greene, 35, who pleaded not guilty to the murder of Patricia O'Connor, 61, at her home in Rathfarnham, Dublin 14, on May 29, 2017. Three co-accused, Louise O'Connor, 41, Stephanie O'Connor, 22, and Keith Johnston, 43, all pleaded not guilty to charges of impeding the apprehension or prosecution of Greene. The prosecution alleged that Stephanie O'Connor disguised herself as her grandmother to create a false CCTV record that Mrs O'Connor was alive, while Louise O'Connor acquiesced in this ruse. Additionally, the State contended that Keith Johnston assisted Greene in purchasing DIY tools, including hacksaws and axes, on June 9, 2017, which were allegedly used to dismember the body. Evidence presented indicated that Mrs O'Connor's body was found in 15 separate parts across Dublin and Wicklow between June 10 and 14, 2017, with the cause of death determined to be blunt force trauma to the head. The prosecution invited the jury to return guilty verdicts for all four defendants. The matter remains at the trial stage, with defence counsel scheduled to deliver closing arguments. No findings, sentences, or finalisations have been recorded.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Murder accused disguised herself as grandmother in 'charade', prosecution say. Charges or matters: murdering Patricia O'Connor (61) at her home in Mountainview Park, Rathfarnham, Dublin 14 on May 29, 2017; agreeing to or acquiescing in her daughter Stephanie O'Connor disguising herself as Patricia O'Connor at Mountainview Park, Rathfarnham, Dublin 14 on May 29, 2017 in order to conceal the fact that Patricia O'Connor was dead. Procedural stage: trial

When:

• May 29, 2017 Incident
• June 10 Hearing Or Sentence
• May 29 Hearing Or Sentence
• June 14, 2017 Other
• June 9 Other
• June 9, 2017 Other
• 2020-02-18 Publication

Why: It is the State's case that, in order to cover up the alleged murder, Stephanie O'Connor dressed up as her grandmother as "a ruse" to pretend that Mrs O'Connor had stormed out of the house on the night of May 29. CNI source report

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Trial Violent Crime

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Read the original CNI report