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Witness tells trial she doesn't remember murder accused saying 'I killed her', despite statement

Summary

During the Central Criminal Court trial of Daniel Blanaru, 37, accused of murdering his partner Larisa Serban, 26, his sister Simona Terezia Ciurar gave evidence. She stated that she does not remember her brother saying "I killed her" or "I put a knife in" the victim, despite earlier statements to Gardaí on 12 and 16 August 2022. Ciurar explained that she was crying and stressed when she made those statements and could not recall all the words. She confirmed that she had signed the statements and that she had called her brother Leon to check Serban's house after an argument. The jury heard that Ciurar's memory of the brother's words was uncertain, and the trial will continue tomorrow before Justice Eileen Creedon and an enlarged jury. Daniel Blanaru pleaded not guilty.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Witness tells trial she doesn't remember murder accused saying 'I killed her', despite statement. 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
• August 16 Other
• 2025-02-19 Publication

Why: "No, because I was crying too much," replied the witness. CNI source report

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Trial Violent Crime

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Read the original CNI report