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Position of shot farm trespasser can't be determined by bullet track, pathologist tells trial

Summary

The murder trial of Diarmuid Phelan, 56, continues before Justice Siobhan Lankford and a jury. Phelan, a barrister and farmer, has pleaded not guilty to the alleged murder of Keith Conlon, 36, at Hazelgrove Farm in Tallaght, Dublin 24, on February 24, 2022. The State alleges that Phelan shot Conlon in the back of the head with a Smith & Wesson revolver as Conlon turned away to leave, intending to kill or cause serious injury. Conversely, the defence asserts the shooting was an accidental result of a legitimate act of self-defence. State pathologist Dr Heidi Okkers testified that Conlon died from a single gunshot wound to the head, with no contributory factors. She agreed with defence counsel that the bullet's track alone cannot determine the victim's position relative to the shooter, as head movement could account for the wound's location. She also noted that an uncontrolled fall of 3.2 metres could explain Conlon's clavicle fracture. Defence counsel presented evidence of prior incidents at the farm, including arson and trespass, to contextualise the accused's concerns. The prosecution maintains that Phelan fired three shots, two into the air and one at Conlon. The trial is ongoing and has not been finalised.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Position of shot farm trespasser can't be determined by bullet track, pathologist tells trial. Charges or matters: murdering Mr 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
• March 13, 2016 Incident
• July 2016 Incident
• June 2016 Incident
• June 2017 Hearing Or Sentence
• 2014 and 2024 Other
• 2024-11-14 Publication

Why: "What that means is because of the possible range of the movement of the head, the position of the victim with respect to the shooter can't be determined solely by the track of the bullet? CNI source report

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Trial Violent Crime

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Read the original CNI report