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Murder accused dropped phone and appointment cards at scene, trial hears

Summary

A 22‑year‑old man, Brandon Gavin, is on trial for the murder of 19‑year‑old Marius Mamaliga, who died from a neck stab on 26 February 2023. The jury heard that the incident lasted about 14 seconds, during which Gavin entered the rear passenger seat of Mamaliga's black Audi, reached forward and stabbed him once in the neck. Gavin allegedly dropped his mobile phone and two HSE appointment cards in the rear footwell, which were recovered by gardaí. He claimed he stabbed Mamaliga in self‑defence, fearing for his life because he owed €2,500 for drugs. Gardaí also recovered a knife with Gavin's DNA on the handle and the victim's blood on the blade. Gavin has pleaded not guilty. The trial is before Justice Eileen Creedon and a jury.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Murder accused dropped phone and appointment cards at scene, trial hears. Charges or matters: the murder of 19-year-old Marius Mamaliga at Forest Court, Swords, on the evening of February 23, 2023. Procedural stage: trial

When:

• February 23, 2023 Hearing Or Sentence
• February 23 Hearing Or Sentence
• February 26 Other
• 2024-10-31 Publication

Why: The jury also heard that the accused told gardaí he stabbed the deceased in the neck because he owed a €2,500 drug debt and feared for his life. CNI source report

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Drugs Stage Trial Violent Crime

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Read the original CNI report