Courts / Dublin / Report

Gunman in drag who murdered innocent victim loses appeal

Summary

In a Dublin pigeon club shooting, Christopher McDonald, 36, was convicted of murdering 36‑year‑old Keith Walker after firing 18 bullets from a sub‑machine gun. McDonald, who was dressed in women's clothes and wearing a black wig, was found guilty by a unanimous jury in 2017. He appealed, arguing that a witness, Jason O'Connor, who lunged at him in court, should have caused the jury to be discharged. The three‑judge Court of Appeal, led by Mr Justice George Birmingham, rejected the appeal, stating that O'Connor's outburst, though "unacceptable," would not have prejudiced the jury. The court also dismissed claims about DNA sampling and witness discussions, affirming the trial's fairness and the verdict's validity. The decision confirms McDonald's murder conviction and the jury's unanimous verdict.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Gunman in drag who murdered innocent victim loses appeal. Charges or matters: the murder of Keith Walker (36) by unanimous jury verdict at the Central Criminal Court in 2017. Procedural stage: appeal. Findings: Found guilty

When:

• June 12, 2015 Hearing Or Sentence
• 2021-06-24 Publication

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Appeal Violent Crime

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Read the original CNI report