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'Sometimes you have to behead somebody', man accused of murdering wife told gardai

Summary

Diego Costa Silva, 35, pleaded not guilty to the murder of his wife, De Campos Silva, 33, at their home in Charlestown Place, Finglas, on November 4, 2021. The Central Criminal Court jury is being asked to return a special verdict under the Criminal Law (Insanity) Act 2006. Detective Garda Carl Smith testified that Mr Costa Silva told gardai he heard voices and believed his wife was possessed, stating, "sometimes you have to behead somebody." He alleged he felt unsafe after confessing to infidelity and feared his wife would kill him. He described striking her with a cup, choking her, stabbing her, and cutting off her head with a knife. Det Sgt Louise McHugh stated that following interviews, Mr Costa Silva was released from detention before she arrested and charged him with murder. Garda Colin Miley testified that two days prior, he found Mr Costa Silva distressed and disorientated while running barefoot in Dublin city centre. Mr Costa Silva was detained under the Mental Health Act and taken to the Mater Hospital, where he expressed suicidal thoughts. A urine analysis was positive for cannabis. The accused has only previous convictions for minor road traffic matters. The trial continues before Mr Justice Michael MacGrath.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: 'Sometimes you have to behead somebody', man accused of murdering wife told gardai. Charges or matters: the murder of Ms De Campos Silva (33) on November 4th, 2021 at their home in Charlestown Place, Finglas. Procedural stage: sentence

When:

• November 4th, 2021 Hearing Or Sentence
• November 4 Other
• 2024-03-06 Publication

Why: A man accused of murdering his wife and cutting her head off told gardai that he heard voices in his head and that "sometimes you have to behead somebody because this person is possessed". CNI source report

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Drugs Road Traffic Stage Sentence Violent Crime

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Read the original CNI report