Courts / Kerry / Report

Murder trial hears of female voice on 999 call

Date
2025-03-18
Stage
Trial
Primary locality
Rathmore
County
Kerry

Summary

In the murder trial of Daniel Blanaru, the Central Criminal Court heard that emergency services received two 999 calls from a phone linked to Larisa Serban before she was found dead at her home in Co Meath. The first call, at 1.41 am, lasted nine seconds, had no dialogue, and was traced to a cell site in Rathmore. The second call, at 1.46 am, lasted eight seconds and included a female voice speaking in a foreign dialect, though the words were not discernible. Detective Garda Conor Carolan explained the cell site and Advanced Mobile Location data used to locate the calls. The jury also heard from interpreter Stanislav Olaru, who confirmed he had translated Mr Blanaru's statements in real time during Garda interviews, noting that the defence's translator used recorded tapes. The trial continues before Ms Justice Eileen Creedon and an enlarged jury. Daniel Blanaru pleaded not guilty.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Murder trial hears of female voice on 999 call. Charges or matters: the murder of Ms Serban (26) on or about August 12, 2022. Procedural stage: trial

When:

Case subjects

Daniel Blanaru

Defendant

Charges: the murder of Ms Serban (26) on or about August 12, 2022 (Alleged Or Contested)

Plea: Not guilty

Places mentioned

Court Venue
  • The Central Criminal Court
Incident
Secondary Mention

Topics

Stage Trial Violent Crime

Related court reports

Read the original CNI report

Correction or retraction request

If a fact, identity, locality or legal outcome needs review, email the newsroom with this report's details prefilled.

Email a correction request