Courts / Dublin / Report

Body taped with bubble wrap and hidden in suitcase, murder trial hears

Date
2024-10-15

Stage
Trial

Primary locality
Dublin

County
Dublin

Summary

At the Central Criminal Court, the State Pathologist has given evidence in the murder trial of Dean Caffrey, aged 38, of Beaucort, Achill Road, Drumcondra, Dublin 9. Dr SallyAnne Collis examined the remains of Sean McCarthy, aged 28, discovered in a suitcase within a wardrobe at the accused's home. The body had been wrapped in bubble wrap and plastic bags secured with tape. Dr Collis identified a gunshot wound to the head as the cause of death, with a bullet lodged in the back of the skull and an entry wound above the left eyebrow. She noted the body was significantly decomposed, consistent with a four-day interval before discovery. The pathologist also observed facial fractures and bruising. Under cross-examination, Dr Collis acknowledged she could not determine the distance from which the firearm was discharged or confirm the bullet's trajectory beyond its entry and exit points. Mr Caffrey has pleaded not guilty to murder allegedly committed between 2 and 7 August 2022. The prosecution alleges the shooting occurred during a confrontation over a drug debt.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Body taped with bubble wrap and hidden in suitcase, murder trial hears. Charges or matters: the murder of Sean McCarthy (28) on a date between August 2 and 7 2022, both dates inclusive, in the State. Procedural stage: trial

When:

August 2 Other
2024-10-15 Publication

Why: The bullet damaged brain structures but would not have caused instant death because it did not damage the brain stem, she said. CNI source report