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Murder accused believed wife was 'possessed by serpent', psychiatrists tell jury
Summary
Diego Costa Silva, 35, pleaded not guilty to the murder of his wife, Fabiola Camara De Campos Silva, 33, at their home in Charlestown Place, Finglas, Dublin 11, on November 4, 2021. The Central Criminal Court heard evidence from two consultant psychiatrists who agreed that Mr Costa Silva suffered from a cannabis-induced psychotic disorder, a mental disorder under the Criminal Law (Insanity) Act 2006. They testified that he believed his wife was possessed by a serpent and that he had to decapitate her to ensure the serpent was dead. Both experts stated that due to this disorder, Mr Costa Silva did not understand the nature and quality of his actions or that they were wrong. Prosecution and defence counsel both submitted that the evidence supports a finding of not guilty by reason of insanity. Mr Justice Michael MacGrath has begun charging the jury, who will consider their verdict tomorrow. The matter is at the sentencing stage following the validated procedural stage, though the final verdict is pending.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Murder accused believed wife was 'possessed by serpent', psychiatrists tell jury. Charges or matters: the murder of Ms De Campos Silva (33) on November 4th, 2021 at their home in Charlestown Place, Finglas, Dublin 11. Procedural stage: sentence. Findings: Not guilty by reason of insanity
When:
- November 4th, 2021 Other
- November 3 Other
- November 15 Incident
- 2024-03-07 Publication
Why: He said that he excluded intoxication as a diagnosis because the symptoms persisted for 11 days after the killing, a period in which Mr Costa Silva did not have access to drugs. CNI source report
Case subjects
Accused
Charges: the murder of Ms De Campos Silva (33) on November 4th, 2021 at their home in Charlestown Place, Finglas, Dublin 11 (Alleged Or Contested)
Plea: Not guilty
Finding: Not guilty by reason of insanity
Outcome: Not guilty by reason of insanity; After he attacked his wife, Mr Costa Silva believed "the serpent wasn't dead and he had to cut the head off to make sure it was dead." Following his arrest and detention, Mr Costa Silva continued to show psychotic symptoms until November 15, 11 days after the killing.
Places mentioned
- Central Criminal Court
- Charlestown Place
- Mater hospital
Topics
Drugs Stage Sentence Violent Crime
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