Courts / Roscommon / Report

Garda murder accused 'looking crazy' after shooting, witness tells trial

Date
2023-02-13

Stage
Trial

Primary locality
Castlerea

Summary

At the Central Criminal Court, a witness testified that Stephen Silver (46), of Aughavard, Foxford, Co Mayo, appeared "looking crazy" following the fatal shooting of Garda Colm Horkan at Castlerea, Co Roscommon on June 17, 2020. The garda was shot eleven times with his own firearm. Ms Makulova, a resident of Castlerea Main Street, told the jury she heard gunshots that she initially mistook for fireworks, and observed a man with a ponytail holding a gun standing beside an injured man on the road. A second witness, business owner Dermot Mulvihill, corroborated hearing explosions and described seeing the man discard an object with a metallic sound. Forensic evidence presented showed a palm print matching Mr Silver's on the gun. Mr Silver has pleaded not guilty to capital murder but guilty to manslaughter. The defence acknowledged the accused's responsibility for the shooting, with the central issue being his state of mind at the time. The trial, before Ms Justice Tara Burns, continues before a jury of seven men and five women.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Garda murder accused 'looking crazy' after shooting, witness tells trial. Charges or matters: the capital murder of Gda Horkan knowing or being reckless as to whether he was a member of An Garda Siochana acting in accordance with his duty; manslaughter. Procedural stage: trial

When:

June 17, 2020 Hearing Or Sentence
2023-02-13 Publication

Case subjects

Stephen Silver

Defendant

Charges: the capital murder of Gda Horkan knowing or being reckless as to whether he was a member of An Garda Siochana acting in accordance with his duty; manslaughter (Alleged Or Contested)

Plea: Not guilty