Courts / Dublin / Report

Witness tells murder trial she saw law professor fire third shot 'at same time' trespassers were 'turning back''

Date
2024-10-22

Stage
Trial

Primary locality
Tallaght

County
Dublin

Summary

In the murder trial of law professor and farmer Mr Phelan, French farmhand Alexandra Fernandes, aged 48, testified that on 22 February 2022 she was working on his farm when two unarmed trespassers approached. She claimed she heard Mr Phelan fire three shots from his revolver while the men were turning away. Fernandes described seeing the first man turn back as the third shot was fired, and that blood appeared on his head. She said Mr Phelan had then approached the injured man, offered first‑aid, and left in a buggy. The prosecution alleges the third shot killed Keith Conlon, 36, who died two days later. The case is being heard by Justice Siobhan Lankford with a jury of nine men and three women. The trial continues tomorrow. The unnamed accused pleaded not guilty.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Witness tells murder trial she saw law professor fire third shot 'at same time' trespassers were 'turning back''. Charges or matters: murdering Keith Conlon (36) at Hazelgrove Farm, Kiltalown Lane, Tallaght, on February 24, 2022. Procedural stage: trial

When:

February 24, 2022 Other
February 2022 Other
February 22, 2022 Other
February 22 Incident
2024-10-22 Publication

Why: She said she was looking at the first man's hands because she was afraid he was going to "take something to avenge on Tal". CNI source report