Courts / Mayo / Report

Murder accused said he 'waited in long grass' for wife before 'dark and frenzied attack'

Date
2023-03-10

Stage
Trial

Primary locality
Westport

County
Mayo

Summary

At the Central Criminal Court, a murder trial heard that James Kilroy, aged 49, a park ranger from Kilbree Lower, Westport, County Mayo, described to gardai how he "waited in the long grass" before attacking his wife at their rural home. The Chief State Pathologist testified that Valerie French Kilroy, aged 41, an occupational therapist and mother of three, died from ligature strangulation, blunt force trauma to the head, and a stab wound to the neck. Mr Kilroy has pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity to her murder on a date between 13 and 14 June 2019. His legal team has made formal admissions that he killed his wife. During garda interviews, he described the assault as "dark and frenzied" and claimed she was alive when he left her. The trial before Ms Justice Mary Ellen Ring continues.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Murder accused said he 'waited in long grass' for wife before 'dark and frenzied attack'. Charges or matters: murdering Valerie French Kilroy (41) at their home on a date unknown between June 13 2019 and June 14 2019, both dates inclusive. Procedural stage: trial

When:

June 13 2019 Hearing Or Sentence
June 14 2019 Hearing Or Sentence
June 15 2019 Other
June 13 Incident
2023-03-10 Publication

Case subjects

James Kilroy

Accused

Charges: murdering Valerie French Kilroy (41) at their home on a date unknown between June 13 2019 and June 14 2019, both dates inclusive (Alleged Or Contested)

Plea: Not guilty