Courts / Dublin / Report

Teenager jailed for life for Melanie McNamara murder

Summary

Daniel McDonnell, aged 19, was sentenced to life imprisonment after a jury found him guilty of murdering 16‑year‑old Melanie McCarthy McNamara. The murder occurred in Tallaght when a stolen black Hyundai Santa Fe fired a shot that struck Melanie in the head while she sat in the back seat with her boyfriend and his friend. The vehicle and weapon were abandoned in Citywest, and no fingerprints were found on the car, gun or cartridges. McDonnell had been arrested the week after the shooting and had made no statements to police, instead leaving graffiti in his cell. He later wrote letters to a friend and a former girlfriend that were deemed admissions of guilt. The trial lasted seven days, and the jury deliberated for 4 hours and 17 minutes before reaching a unanimous verdict. The judge imposed the mandatory life sentence for murder. The case was heard at Dublin Central Criminal Court. Daniel McDonnell pleaded not guilty.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Teenager jailed for life for Melanie McNamara murder. Charges or matters: murder. Procedural stage: sentence. Findings: Found guilty

When:

• February 8th 2012 Hearing Or Sentence
• 2014-01-24 Publication

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Sentence Theft Violent Crime

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Read the original CNI report