Courts / Dublin / Report

Mixing different types of ammunition 'extremely dangerous', law professor's murder trial hears

Date
2024-11-06
Stage
Trial
Primary locality
Tallaght
County
Dublin

Summary

During the murder trial of law professor Diarmuid Phelan, a ballistics expert warned that mixing different types of ammunition in a Smith & Wesson revolver is extremely dangerous. Evidence showed that the revolver used to kill Keith Conlon contained three spent rounds, possibly hollow‑point or pest‑control bullets, and that the fatal bullet was a hollow‑point projectile. The prosecution argued that Phelan fired a third shot at Conlon's back, intending to kill or seriously injure him. Phelan, 56, pleaded not guilty to the murder of Conlon, 36, who died on 24 February 2022 at Tallaght University Hospital. The trial, presided over by Justice Siobhan Lankford, continues with a jury hearing the forensic and eyewitness evidence presented by the state and defence.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Mixing different types of ammunition 'extremely dangerous', law professor's murder trial hears. Charges or matters: murdering father-of-four Mr Conlon (36) at Hazelgrove Farm, Kiltalown Lane, Tallaght, Dublin 24 on February 24, 2022. Procedural stage: trial

When:

Case subjects

Diarmuid Phelan

Accused

Charges: murdering father-of-four Mr Conlon (36) at Hazelgrove Farm, Kiltalown Lane, Tallaght, Dublin 24 on February 24, 2022 (Alleged Or Contested)

Plea: Not guilty

Places mentioned

Address Area
  • Kiltalown Lane
Secondary Mention
Residence
  • Kiltalown Park
Incident
Facility
  • Tallaght University Hospital

Topics

Stage Trial Violent Crime

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