Courts / Dublin / Report

Father-of-three died of gunshot wounds to the back, murder trial hears

Date
2015-07-02
Stage
Trial
Primary locality
Dublin
County
Dublin

Summary

In a Dublin murder trial, David Cully, 24, pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter for killing his 41‑year‑old nephew, Edward O'Connor, on 15 December 2013. Cully claimed he shot O'Connor "in the heat of the moment" after O'Connor mentioned a sexual‑abuse allegation that had been investigated but not prosecuted. Deputy State Pathologist Dr Michael Curtis testified that O'Connor died from two gun‑shot wounds to the back, one entering between the 10th and 11th ribs, damaging the aorta, oesophagus and lung, and the other entering between the 11th and 12th ribs, fracturing the rib and injuring the adrenal gland, pancreas and stomach. The wounds caused massive internal bleeding and collapsed lung, leading to rapid death. The trial was adjourned to resume before Mr Justice Carroll Moran and a jury.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Father-of-three died of gunshot wounds to the back, murder trial hears. Charges or matters: murdering the 41-year-old, but guilty to his manslaughter, at Ballycoolin Road, Finglas West on December 15th, 2013. Procedural stage: trial

When:

Why: He explained that both wounds were to the lower thoracic region of his back. CNI source report

Case subjects

Unnamed 24-year-old

Defendant

Charges: murdering the 41-year-old, but guilty to his manslaughter, at Ballycoolin Road, Finglas West on December 15th, 2013 (Alleged Or Contested)

Plea: Not guilty

Outcome: The trial has now adjourned until Monday, when it will resume before Mr Justice Carroll Moran and a jury of seven women and five men.

Places mentioned

Residence
Address Area
  • Ballycoolin Road
Court Venue
  • Central Criminal Court

Topics

Stage Trial Violent Crime

Related court reports

Read the original CNI report

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