Courts / Mayo / Report

Gardai found murder accused husband naked in field, trial hears

Summary

A man on trial for murder told gardaí he had killed his wife after being found naked in a field near Westport, Co Mayo, the Central Criminal Court heard. James Kilroy, aged 50, a park ranger, has pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity to the murder of Valerie French Kilroy, an occupational therapist, at their home at Kilbree Lower between 13 and 14 June 2019. Gardaí discovered Mr Kilroy in a field in Derrygorman on the morning of 14 June, where he stated he was on a pilgrimage to Croagh Patrick. He was detained under the Mental Health Act. At Mayo University Hospital, Mr Kilroy told gardaí he wished to make a confession and said he had killed his wife. Gardaí subsequently found Ms French Kilroy's body in a campervan at the property, with evidence of a violent death. The trial, presided over by Mr Justice Paul McDermott, continues before a jury of seven women and five men. Psychiatric evidence will be central to the jury's consideration.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Gardai found murder accused husband naked in field, trial hears. Procedural stage: trial

When:

• June 13, 2019 Other
• June 14, 2019 Other
• June 14 2019 Other
• June 14 Other
• 2023-11-09 Publication

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Trial Violent Crime

Related court reports

• Prisoner spared further jail time for e-scooter theft
• Defilement conviction quashed as court finds judge 'crossed a line'
• 'I hold no ill will': Daughter of Mayo woman killed by truck addresses driver
• 'Hunter' who plunged knife through grandmother's neck in random city centre attack gets 12 years
• Grandmother randomly stabbed in head in Dublin city centre while watching Christmas lights switch-on
• Mayo man with gambling addiction stole over €34,000

Read the original CNI report