Courts / Ireland / Report
'Three gentle taps of letterbox' drew shooting victim to door, partner tells trial
Summary
During a late‑night visit to her dentist, Elaine Heffernan was awakened by three gentle taps on the letterbox. She thought a neighbour was knocking, but as Thomas Farnan opened the front door a gunman fired a single shot that killed him before he could even open the door. He fell slowly, and Heffernan tried to stop him, but he was already dead. Neighbours arrived, one checked his pulse and confirmed he was gone. The shooting took place at Kilcronan Close, Clondak in the early hours of 25 or 26 April 2016. Lorcan Merriman, 25, of Lealand Close, Clondak, is on trial for the murder and has pleaded not guilty. The trial is being heard by Mr Justice David Keane with a jury of nine men and three women. The case remains at the murder‑trial stage.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: 'Three gentle taps of letterbox' drew shooting victim to door, partner tells trial. Charges or matters: murdering Mr Farnan at Kilcronan Close, Clondalkin on April 25 or 26, 2016. Procedural stage: trial
When:
- April 25 Other
- 2021-10-29 Publication
Why: She said: "I was just panicking because I could see the blood but I couldn't see where it was coming from. CNI source report
Case subjects
Defendant
Charges: murdering Mr Farnan at Kilcronan Close, Clondalkin on April 25 or 26, 2016 (Alleged Or Contested)
Plea: Not guilty
Places mentioned
- Central Criminal Court
- Thomas's house
- Mr Farnan's house
Topics
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