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Hitman in drag must await appeal fate

Summary

In 2015, Christopher McDonald, 36, was convicted of murdering Keith Walker, 36, at the Blanchardstown Pigeon Racing Club. McDonald was found wearing a black wig and a transparent latex glove, and a 9mm Makarov sub‑machine gun was recovered in a handbag near the club. CCTV showed a person pulling a gun from a handbag and firing 18 shots at Walker, who died from head and body wounds. McDonald was found guilty by a unanimous jury at the Central Criminal Court in 2017 and sentenced to life imprisonment. His lawyers now appeal to the Court of Appeal, arguing that DNA swabs were taken before he received adequate legal advice and that the jury was prejudiced by hearing McDonald's remark to the arresting sergeant. The Court of Appeal has reserved judgment. Christopher McDonald pleaded not guilty.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Hitman in drag must await appeal fate. Charges or matters: murder by unanimous jury verdict at the Central Criminal Court in 2017; murdering Keith Walker (36) at the Blanchardstown Pigeon Racing Club on Shelerin Road, Clonsilla, Dublin on June 12, 2015. Procedural stage: appeal. Findings: Found guilty

When:

• June 12, 2015 Hearing Or Sentence
• 2021-01-25 Publication

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Appeal

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Read the original CNI report