Courts / Louth / Report

Blood on axe found in accused's house matched DNA of deceased, murder trial hears

Date
2015-04-28

Stage
Sentence

Primary locality
Drogheda

County
Louth

Summary

During a murder trial, forensic scientist Stephen Clifford presented evidence that blood on an axe found in Marius Gaizutis's house matched the DNA profile of the deceased, Audrius Butkus. Gaizutis, aged 52, was charged with murdering Butkus, aged 44, at the Marsh Road address on 9 or 10 September 2013. He pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter at arraignment before the Central Criminal Court. Clifford examined the axe, finding blood only in the hollow groove at its tip, and generated a full male DNA profile that matched Butkus. He also reported DNA matches from blood on a step, kitchen table, bannister, ceiling, a sock, a carpet from Matthews Lane, and a Suzuki Swift car. Detective Sergeant Liam Archibold testified about the search of Matthews Lane, the items recovered, and the medical examination of Gaizutis. The prosecution concluded its case, and the jury was instructed to resume the next day.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Blood on axe found in accused's house matched DNA of deceased, murder trial hears. Charges or matters: murdering Audrius Butkus (44) at that address on the 9th or 10th of September, 2013; murder but guilty to manslaughter when he was arraigned before the Central Criminal Court on Monday; the murder of Mr Butkus. Procedural stage: sentence

When:

September 11 2013 Hearing Or Sentence
September 30 2013 Hearing Or Sentence
October 2 2013 Hearing Or Sentence
2015-04-28 Publication

Case subjects

Marius Gaizutis

Accused

Charges: murdering Audrius Butkus (44) at that address on the 9th or 10th of September, 2013; murder but guilty to manslaughter when he was arraigned before the Central Criminal Court on Monday; the murder of Mr Butkus (Alleged Or Contested)

Plea: Not guilty

Outcome: Det Sgt Archibold agreed that at the end of Mr Gaizutis's detention he was released and then on October 2 2013 on the direction of the DPP, Mr Gaizutis was charged with the murder of Mr Butkus.