Courts / Dublin / Report

Melanie McNamara murder accused admits writing letters

Summary

In a 2014 Central Criminal Court hearing, 19‑year‑old Daniel McDonnell, charged with the murder of 16‑year‑old Melanie McCarthy McNamara, admitted writing two letters from his St Patrick's Institution cell in March 2012. The letters, which he had asked prison staff to send to two recipients, contain boastful remarks about shooting McCarthy McNamara. One letter includes the lines "Close‑range head shots… Two in the head. The bitch is dead… Best night of my poxy life." The second letter references a "smell bag" and a "bullying my Ma" comment. McDonnell pleaded not guilty to the murder. The trial, presided over by Mr Justice Paul Carney, has already heard the letters and related statements from prison staff and Garda investigators. The case remains at the trial stage, with no verdict yet reached.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Melanie McNamara murder accused admits writing letters. Charges or matters: murdering 16-year-old Melanie on February 8th 2012 at nearby Brookview Way. Procedural stage: trial

When:

• March 2012 Adjournment
• February 8th 2012 Adjournment
• 2014-01-22 Publication

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Trial Violent Crime

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Read the original CNI report