Courts / Louth / Report

Lies & Science: The murder of Cameron Reilly

Date
2022-12-15
Stage
Trial
Primary locality
Dunleer
County
Louth

Summary

Cameron Reilly, a 19‑year‑old DKIT student, left his grandmother's house on a Friday in May 2018 to meet friends near the Glen Dimplex factory. Between 12:40 am and 1:40 am on 26 May, Aaron Connolly, two weeks older, attacked Reilly in the field. Reilly died of asphyxia caused by external pressure to the neck, with bruising and abrasions on the neck and face. Witnesses, including David Shiels and neighbour Jean Lynch, described the body's condition and attempted CPR. Connolly was the last person to see Reilly alive and was later charged with murder. The trial at the Central Criminal Court concluded with Connolly's conviction for murder, based on evidence of the attack, forensic DNA findings, and Connolly's statements and admissions. The case highlighted the role of lies told by Connolly during the investigation. The court did not address any subsequent appeals or sentencing details.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Lies & Science: The murder of Cameron Reilly. Procedural stage: trial

When:

Why: Ms McGuinness said the teenager had told her he was just on the site to "suss people out" because there would often be gossip about people locally who were "in the closet". CNI source report

Places mentioned

Secondary Mention
Court Venue
  • Central Criminal Court
Garda Station
  • posted to Dunleer Garda Station
  • Dunleer
  • based at Drogheda Garda Station
  • Drogheda
  • the accused in the garda station
Incident
  • Beechwood estate

Topics

Stage Trial Violent Crime

Related court reports

Read the original CNI report

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