Courts / Meath / Report
Knife that caused fatal injury to woman (26) never recovered, murder trial hears
Summary
The murder trial of Daniel Blanaru (37) for the death of Larisa Serban (26) on 12 August 2022 has focused on the missing knife that caused the fatal stab wound to Serban's heart. Detective Sergeant Robert Madden testified that the knife has never been recovered and that Blanaru was the last known person to have it. Blanaru's interviews have shown inconsistent statements about the knife's location, and he has refused to disclose its whereabouts. The court heard video of a third interview in which Blanaru described the knife as a white kitchen knife with a silver blade about six inches long, very sharp and smooth. Gardaí have conducted extensive searches for the knife, but it remains missing, leaving the case to proceed without the weapon as evidence. The trial continues with Blanaru pleading not guilty.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Knife that caused fatal injury to woman (26) never recovered, murder trial hears. Charges or matters: the murder of Ms Serban (26) on or about August 12, 2022. Procedural stage: trial
When:
- August 12, 2022 Hearing Or Sentence
- 2025-03-14 Publication
Why: "I asked him where the knife was because his accounts have changed over the course of the interviews. CNI source report
Case subjects
Defendant
Charges: the murder of Ms Serban (26) on or about August 12, 2022 (Alleged Or Contested)
Plea: Not guilty
Places mentioned
Topics
Related court reports
- Criminal asked for cigarette and bounded over six foot wall to escape custody
- Survivor says 'incredibly hard' to stand out against abuse in the face of 'lenient' sentences as relative has jail term increased
- GP receptionist who said colleague called her a 'lazy b***h' tells WRC apology wasn't 'genuine'
- 'This criminal condemned us all to death': 'jealous, controlling' man gets life for murdering partner
- Jury takes just three hours to convict man who denied murder despite telling gardai: 'I am guilty, please lock me up'"
- Jury out tomorrow for man accused of stabbing partner to death
If a fact, identity, locality or legal outcome needs review, email the newsroom with this report's details prefilled.
Email a correction request