Courts / Dublin / Report

63-year-old who choked mother to death remanded to Central Mental Hospital

Summary

In a Central Criminal Court hearing on 21 December 2022, Brendan Murray, aged 63, was remanded to the Central Mental Hospital pending a psychiatric report due on 28 December. The court, after a jury found him not guilty of murdering his 88‑year‑old mother, Neasa Murray, by reason of insanity, directed that he remain detained until the report. Counsel for Murray noted that the court could extend the committal period up to six months. The trial had heard that Murray claimed the Holy Spirit commanded him to punch, choke, and sexually assault his mother, though no evidence of sexual assault was found. Forensic psychiatrist Dr Brenda Wright testified that his schizoaffective disorder prevented him from understanding the wrongfulness of his actions. The jury's verdict was not guilty by reason of insanity. The court will not retain jurisdiction without due cause. The case remains pending the psychiatric assessment.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: 63-year-old who choked mother to death remanded to Central Mental Hospital. Procedural stage: trial

When:

• December 28 Incident
• August 23, 2020 Incident
• 2022-12-21 Publication

Why: " Mr Murray told the gardaí he "started punching her around the place" because God told him to. CNI source report

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Trial Violent Crime

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Read the original CNI report