Courts / Ireland / Report
Husband who beheaded wife found not guilty of murder by reason of insanity
Summary
A man from Charlestown, County Mayo, has been found not guilty of murdering his wife by reason of insanity at the Central Criminal Court. The jury unanimously determined that Diego Costa Silva was suffering from cannabis-induced psychosis when he killed his wife, Fabiola De Campos Silva, at their home in Finglas, Dublin, on 4 November 2021. Two forensic psychiatrists gave evidence that Mr Silva's mental disorder caused him to believe his wife was possessed by a serpent and would kill him. Medical professionals had noted signs of psychosis after he was detained two days before the killing and recommended he remain as a voluntary patient, but he left hospital. Mr Silva was remanded to the Central Mental Hospital for assessment, with the case to return to court on 22 March for a psychiatric report on his current condition. The jury deliberated for two hours and 24 minutes before reaching their verdict.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Husband who beheaded wife found not guilty of murder by reason of insanity. Charges or matters: murdering Fabiola De Campos Silva (33) on November 4th, 2021 at their home in Charlestown Place, Finglas, Dublin 11; his wife's murder and taken to Cloverhill Prison, where he was assessed by psychiatrists. Procedural stage: sentence. Findings: Acquitted
When:
- March 22 Hearing Or Sentence
- November 4th, 2021 Incident
- November 3 Other
- November 15 Incident
- 2024-03-08 Publication
Why: He said he did not argue with his wife but the "fight" started because "I just felt if I didn't do it she could do it to me. CNI source report
Case subjects
Accused
Charges: murdering Fabiola De Campos Silva (33) on November 4th, 2021 at their home in Charlestown Place, Finglas, Dublin 11; his wife's murder and taken to Cloverhill Prison, where he was assessed by psychiatrists (Alleged Or Contested)
Plea: Not guilty
Finding: Acquitted
Outcome: Acquitted; 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." During his detention, doctors noted that Mr Costa Silva continued to show psychotic symptoms until November 15, 11 days after the killing.
Places mentioned
- Central Criminal Court
- Central Mental Hospital
- Mater Hospital
- Cloverhill Prison
- Charlestown Place
- Middle Abbey Street
- taken to Store St Garda Station
Topics
Drugs Stage Sentence Violent Crime
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