Courts / Meath / Report

Young mother murdered 'in cold blood', State tells jury

Summary

In a Central Criminal Court hearing, the Director of Public Prosecutions presented evidence that Daniel Blanaru, 37, from Rathmore, Athboy, Co Meath, murdered 26‑year‑old Larisa Serban on or about 12 August 2022. Prosecutor Eilis Brennan SC described the attack as sustained and brutal, noting that Blanaru stabbed Serban in the heart, severed a bone in her elbow, and inflicted multiple defensive injuries on her. She highlighted that Serban's body showed numerous incise wounds, abrasions and puncture wounds consistent with defensive actions, while Blanaru had only a minor nick. Brennan urged jurors to focus on the evidence rather than defence theories, which included claims of accidental injury and self‑defence. She also referenced a toxicology report showing no alcohol or drugs in Serban's system and CCTV footage of Blanaru leaving the scene. Daniel Blanaru pleaded not guilty.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Young mother murdered 'in cold blood', State tells jury. Charges or matters: the murder of Larisa Serban (26) on or about August 12, 2022. Procedural stage: trial

When:

• August 12, 2022 Incident
• 2025-03-28 Publication

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Drugs Stage Trial

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Read the original CNI report