Courts / Dublin / Report

Pathologist tells law professor's trial she removed 'deformed projectile' from trespasser's head

Date
2024-11-13

Stage
Trial

Primary locality
Tallaght

County
Dublin

Summary

In a murder trial at Tallaght, State Pathologist Dr Heidi Okkers testified that a deformed lead projectile measuring 0.8 cm was recovered from the head of Keith Conlon, a 36‑year‑old father of four who died on 24 February 2022 after being shot on the farm of barrister Diarmuid Phelan. Okkers described the bullet's trajectory, noting it entered 3 cm behind Conlon's right ear and 5 cm above it, and that the entry wound was 1.64 cm above the unshod heel. She reported no soot or powder tattooing around the wound, indicating a distance of more than one metre between shooter and victim. The pathologist also detailed a CT scan showing a complete fracture of the right parietal bone and multiple metallic fragments in the brain. Phelan, 56, has pleaded not guilty to the murder of Conlon, who was shot in the back of the head while turning away to leave.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Pathologist tells law professor's trial she removed 'deformed projectile' from trespasser's head. Charges or matters: murdering father-of-four Keith Conlon (36) at Hazelgrove Farm, Kiltalown Lane, Tallaght, Dublin 24 on February 24, 2022. Procedural stage: trial

When:

February 24, 2022 Incident
February 22 Incident
February 25, 2022 Other
February 24 Other
2024-11-13 Publication

Case subjects

Diarmuid Phelan

Defendant

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

Plea: Not guilty