Courts / Dublin / Report

Murder accused's phone engaged on Tinder just 20 mins before stabbing, trial hears

Summary

The court heard that 22‑year‑old Brandon Gavin's phone was used 24 hours before he stabbed 19‑year‑old Marius Mamaliga to death. The phone searched for "prison sentence for murder in Ireland" and engaged with a woman on Tinder 20 minutes before the fatal stabbing. Texts show Mamaliga demanded money for drugs from Gavin, warning that "boys looking for that money" would be at his door. Gavin claimed he stabbed Mamaliga in self‑defence, fearing for his life because he owed money for drugs. The prosecution argued Gavin entered the back seat of a car behind Mamaliga and stabbed him in the neck with a knife. The case is set to close on Monday before Justice Eileen Creedon and the jury. Brandon Gavin pleaded not guilty.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Murder accused's phone engaged on Tinder just 20 mins before stabbing, 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: sentence

When:

• February 23, 2023 Hearing Or Sentence
• February 22, 2023 Incident
• 2024-11-08 Publication

Why: The jury has also heard that in garda interviews, the accused said he stabbed Mr Mamaliga in self-defence because he was in fear for his life as he owed money for drugs. Defence account reported by CNI

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Drugs Stage Sentence Violent Crime

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Read the original CNI report