Courts / Dublin / Report

Melanie McCarthy murder accused bragged about shooting, jury hears

Summary

In a 2014 trial at the Central Criminal Court, Daniel McDonnell, aged 19, was charged with the murder of 16‑year‑old Melanie McCarthy McNamara. The prosecution presented evidence that McDonnell had written boastful graffiti on his cell wall, including the lines 'Two in the head. Your bitch is dead', and had sent two letters to a prison officer that contained references to the shooting. The letters, addressed to Lee McDonnell and Stephanie Tuite, described the intent to shoot and the use of a loaded 12‑gauge shotgun. McDonnell's defence pleaded not guilty. The jury was told that the victim was shot in the head while seated in the back seat of a car on Brookview Way, Tallaght, and that she was pronounced dead at Tallaght Hospital. The case was heard by Mr Justice Paul Carney with a jury of twelve.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Melanie McCarthy murder accused bragged about shooting, jury hears. Charges or matters: her murder on February 8th 2012. Procedural stage: trial

When:

• February 8th 2012 Hearing Or Sentence
• February 21st Other
• March 5th Other
• 2014-01-14 Publication

Why: "Keep running all them up onto protection because this war ain't stopping. CNI source report

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Trial Violent Crime

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Read the original CNI report