Courts / Kerry / Report

Murder accused threatened to kill partner if family interfered in relationship, mother tells trial

Date
2025-02-24

Stage
Trial

Primary locality
Rathmore

County
Kerry

Summary

During the trial, Georgeta Serban, mother of the 26‑year‑old Larisa Serban, testified that her daughter's partner, Daniel Blanaru (37), threatened to kill Larisa if her family interfered in their relationship. She described Blanaru as extremely possessive, paranoid and controlling, noting that he had no stable employment and that his jealousy intensified after Larisa's children were born. Serban said Blanaru would dictate what Larisa wore, forbid her from wearing tight clothing, and accuse her of infidelity whenever she spoke to other men. She recalled that a month before Larisa's death, Blanaru warned that he would kill her if the family intervened. Serban also recounted that Larisa lived a controlled, depressed life and that she had spoken to her daughter on the night before her death. The case is proceeding before Justice Eileen Creedon with an enlarged jury. Daniel Blanaru pleaded not guilty.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Murder accused threatened to kill partner if family interfered in relationship, mother tells trial. 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 Other
2025-02-24 Publication

Why: The witness confirmed to Ms Brennan that the accused "couldn't leave Larisa alone because he didn't trust her with other men". CNI source report