Courts / Clare / Report

Mixed DNA profile from bloodied boots match to murder accused, jury hears

Summary

A forensic scientist presented a mixed DNA profile taken from inside a pair of boots heavily stained with the blood of widower John O'Neill, who was beaten to death in his own home. The DNA matched both O'Neill and the accused, Thomas Lorigan, a 34‑year‑old man known locally as 'Mossy' and the victim's nephew. The boots, recovered from a house where Lorigan stayed the night before the body was found, were described as steel‑capped Portwest boots in size 46 with a thick chevron‑shaped sole pattern. The scientist also matched footwear impressions on the victim's kitchen floor and on carpet, as well as partial impressions on a Dell laptop, to the boots. Blood found on the boots matched O'Neill's profile, and a mixed DNA profile from inside the boots contained both O'Neill's and Lorigan's DNA. Thomas Lorigan pleaded not guilty.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Mixed DNA profile from bloodied boots match to murder accused, jury hears. Charges or matters: murdering Mr O'Neill (78) at St Brendan's Road, Lisdoonvarna, Co Clare on a date unknown between January 6 and 7, 2022. Procedural stage: trial

When:

• January 6 Other
• January 7, 2022 Other
• October 2021 Other
• November 2021 Other
• 2024-01-24 Publication

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Trial Violent Crime

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Read the original CNI report