Courts / Louth / Report
Jury to continue deliberating in Cameron Reilly murder trial
Summary
The jury in the trial of 23‑year‑old Aaron Connolly, accused of murdering 18‑year‑old Cameron Reilly in Dunleer, will resume deliberations tomorrow after a three‑hour session. Mr Justice Tony Hunt directed the jury to reach a unanimous verdict and explained the prosecution's case linking sexual activity, DNA evidence and alleged lies. The defence argued that Connolly and Reilly had oral sex on the night of the murder and that Reilly was alive when Connolly left. Forensic evidence from Dr Clara Boland showed saliva containing DNA from both men, while Dr Linda Mulligan's post‑mortem identified asphyxia by external pressure on the neck as the cause of death, with no ligature marks. Connolly denied any sexual contact and claimed he was "straight." Prosecutor Dean Kelly accused Connolly of lying throughout the investigation, whereas defence counsel Michael Bowman highlighted "strategic lies" and the difficulty of truth‑telling under pressure. The jury will reconvene at 10:30 am tomorrow. Cameron Reilly pleaded not guilty.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Jury to continue deliberating in Cameron Reilly murder trial. Charges or matters: the murder of Mr Reilly (18) at Shamrock Hill, Dunleer on May 26, 2018. Procedural stage: trial
When:
- May 26, 2018 Hearing Or Sentence
- May 26 Other
- 2022-12-13 Publication
Why: In his closing statement to the jury, prosecuting counsel Dean Kelly SC contended Aaron Connolly had "lied from the beginning of this investigation to the end" because he murdered his friend. CNI source report
Case subjects
Defendant
Charges: the murder of Mr Reilly (18) at Shamrock Hill, Dunleer on May 26, 2018 (Alleged Or Contested)
Plea: Not guilty
Places mentioned
Topics
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