Courts / Kerry / Report

Witness denies having 'some involvement' in sister-in-law's killing, brands suggestion they had previous relationship as 'disgraceful'

Date
2025-02-18

Stage
Trial

Primary locality
Rathmore

County
Kerry

Summary

In the Rathmore murder trial, Narcisa Serban, sister of the victim Larisa Serban, denied that her husband Marcus Cranus had any sexual or violent involvement with Larisa. She called the defence's suggestion that she was "covering up" for her husband "nonsense" and described the claim of a prior sexual relationship as "disgraceful." Marcus Cranus, through a Romanian interpreter, denied any sexual relationship with Larisa and denied having performed chest compressions on her, stating he had only attempted cardiac massage because he was trained in first aid. He also denied any physical or violent struggle with Larisa. Witness Simona Terezia Ciurar confirmed that Daniel Blanaru had come to her house on the morning of the murder, claimed an argument with Larisa, and later tried to jump out of the car, an action stopped by her husband Raul. The trial continues before Justice Eileen Creedon and an enlarged jury. Daniel Blanaru pleaded not guilty.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Witness denies having 'some involvement' in sister-in-law's killing, brands suggestion they had previous relationship as 'disgraceful'. Charges or matters: the murder of his partner Larisa Serban (26) at Rathmore, Co Meath on or about August 12, 2022. Procedural stage: trial

When:

August 12, 2022 Hearing Or Sentence
2025-02-18 Publication

Why: Mr Cranus also denied a suggestion that when he arrived at the property in Rathmore, he had carried out chest compressions even though Larisa Serban was "obviously dead" because he wanted an explanation for having "blood on his hands". CNI source report