Courts / Dublin / Report

Victim shot at least five times in own home, State pathologist tells murder trial

Date
2021-11-02

Stage
Trial

Primary locality
Tallaght

County
Dublin

Summary

The murder trial of Lorcan Merriman, 25, of Lealand Close, Clondalkin, is ongoing at the Central Criminal Court before Mr Justice David Keane and a jury. Merriman has pleaded not guilty to the alleged murder of Thomas Farnan at Kilcronan Close, Clondalkin, on April 25 or 26, 2016. Chief State Pathologist Dr Linda Mulligan testified that Mr Farnan sustained nine gunshot injuries from at least five bullets. She identified a bullet that traversed the victim's arm, chest, and heart as the fatal injury, while wounds to the abdomen, elbow, and pelvis contributed to death. Toxicology revealed high levels of methadone, alcohol, and Zopiclone, though these did not contribute to the death. Detective Garda Lynn Johnson reported finding five discharged 9mm cartridges outside the home and one inside, along with three recovered bullets. Tool markings suggested the rounds were fired from the same weapon, though the firearm was never located. Gardaí also found three air rifles in the residence; one was classified as a firearm under the Firearms Act due to its muzzle energy. The trial continues.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Victim shot at least five times in own home, State pathologist tells murder trial. Charges or matters: murdering Mr Farnan at Kilcronan Close, Clondalkin on April 25 or 26, 2016. Procedural stage: trial

When:

April 25 Other
27 April 2016 Other
2021-11-02 Publication

Why: Dr Mulligan said she knew the wound in the chest was a "re-entry wound" because it was larger and more irregular than the others. CNI source report