Courts / Meath / Report

Firearms residue found on clothing of two men on trial for Butterly murder

Summary

In a Special Criminal Court hearing, forensic evidence was presented linking firearms residue to the clothing of two of the three men charged with the 2013 murder of Peter Butterly. Dr John O'Shaughnessy testified that a grey jumper worn by Dean Evans and a grey jacket worn by Edward McGrath contained gunshot residue. DNA analysis of items linked to Sharif Kelly's wife's vehicle revealed a match to Evans on a tracksuit, a balaclava and gloves, and a match to McGrath on a black wig. The court heard that DNA can be transferred between individuals and persist for long periods. The trial, now in its 47th day, is expected to conclude with the prosecution's evidence on Wednesday, before a three‑judge panel presided by Ms Justice Deirdre Murphy. The defendants remain not guilty on all charges.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Firearms residue found on clothing of two men on trial for Butterly murder. Charges or matters: murdering the 35-year-old father of two; firearm offences on the same occasion. Procedural stage: trial

When:

• March 6 2013 Hearing Or Sentence
• 2015-01-13 Publication

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Trial Violent Crime

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Read the original CNI report