Courts / Dublin / Report

Murder trial witness describes the moment his father was shot in the back

Date
2015-06-22

Stage
Trial

Primary locality
Dublin

County
Dublin

Summary

A 24‑year‑old Dublin man, Darren O'Connor, gave evidence at the Central Criminal Court on the fourth day of his cousin David Cully's murder trial. Cully, also 24, is charged with murdering his uncle, 41‑year‑old Edward O'Connor, by shooting him twice on 15 December 2013. O'Connor described how he and his father were at their grandparents' property when Cully, after a prior altercation, suggested a "straightener" or fist fight. O'Connor says he and his father entered the yard, where Cully and his opponent were waiting. During the fight, Cully shot Edward in the back, firing about six shots. O'Connor testified that his father was left lying on his back, breathing heavily, and was later pronounced dead. The trial is before Mr Justice Carroll Moran with a jury of seven women and five men. David Cully pleaded not guilty.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Murder trial witness describes the moment his father was shot in the back. Charges or matters: murdering his uncle, Edward O'Connor, by shooting him twice; murdering the 41-year-old at Ballycoolin Road, Finglas West on December 15 2013. Procedural stage: trial

When:

December 15 2013 Other
December 8th, 2013 Other
2015-06-22 Publication

Why: Darren O'Connor explained that he had been close to the accused until the family was torn apart when another person made an allegation of sexual abuse against the deceased. CNI source report

Case subjects

David Cully

Accused

Charges: murdering his uncle, Edward O'Connor, by shooting him twice; murdering the 41-year-old at Ballycoolin Road, Finglas West on December 15 2013 (Alleged Or Contested)

Plea: Not guilty