Courts / Dublin / Report

Sister-in-law told gardai how she burned clothes Jozef Puska was wearing when he murdered Ashling Murphy

Date
2025-05-30

Stage
Trial

Primary locality
Dublin

County
Dublin

Summary

The trial of Viera Gaziova and Jozefina Grundzova continues before Ms Justice Caroline Biggs and a jury. Both women, who pleaded not guilty to all charges, are accused of impeding the apprehension or prosecution of Jozef Puska by burning clothes he allegedly wore on the day he murdered Ashling Murphy. Gaziova testified that she destroyed the garments after her husband, Lubomir Puska Jnr, conveyed a request from Puska to ensure the clothes were burnt. She described building a fire in the living room, burning the items until only ash remained, and disposing of the residue down the kitchen sink. Gaziova stated she initially omitted this detail from her statement to gardai because she feared the family would turn against her and she would end up on the street. She recounted that the household became concerned when Puska did not return home, and he later arrived soaked and shaking. Gaziova claimed Lubomir and Marek Puska spoke with Puska in his bedroom, after which Lubomir told her Puska had confessed to killing a girl. She noted that only she, Lubomir, Marek, and Grundzova knew of this alleged confession at the time. The court heard that all accused were living together in Co Offaly when the offences are alleged to have occurred in January 2022. The trial is ongoing.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Sister-in-law told gardai how she burned clothes Jozef Puska was wearing when he murdered Ashling Murphy. Charges or matters: impeding the apprehension or prosecution of Jozef Puska by burning his clothes; the same offence; all charges. Procedural stage: trial

When:

January 2022 Incident
January 17, 2022 Incident
2025-05-30 Publication

Why: Photo: Collins) Jozef Puska's sister-in-law told gardai she had failed to say that she burned the clothes Jozef was wearing on the day he murdered Ashling Murphy because she was "afraid the whole family would go against me" or that she would end up on the street. CNI source report