Courts / Dublin / Report

Murder accused initially told gardai that gunman had shot his uncle

Summary

David Cully, 24, was tried for the murder of his uncle, Edward O'Connor, 41, who was shot in the back after a fist fight. Cully initially told Gardaí that a gunman had appeared "out of nowhere" and shot his uncle, but later admitted he had brought a gun to the fight and shot O'Connor himself. He claimed he fired in the heat of the moment after O'Connor made a comment about a sexual‑abuse allegation against him. Cully denied premeditation, stating he had never held a firearm before and had only watched shooting films. Gardaí argued the act was pre‑orchestrated and intended to kill. The case is before Mr Justice Carroll Moran with a jury of seven women and five men. The trial is ongoing. The unnamed 24-year-old pleaded not guilty.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Murder accused initially told gardai that gunman had shot his uncle. Charges or matters: murdering the 41-year-old but guilty to his manslaughter at Ballycoolin Road, Finglas West on Sunday, December 15 2013. Procedural stage: trial

When:

• Sunday, December 15 2013 Incident
• 2015-06-29 Publication

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Trial Violent Crime

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Read the original CNI report