Courts / Kildare / Report

Man (39) died from single stab wound to the chest, pathologist tells trial

Summary

Valeriu Melnic (24), of Rathcoole, Co Dublin, is on trial at the Central Criminal Court for the alleged murder of Ion Daghi (39) at The Close, Sallins Park, Sallins, Co Kildare, on May 12, 2024. Mr Melnic has pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter. Assistant State Pathologist Dr Margaret Bolster testified that Mr Daghi died from a single stab wound to the left chest, which measured 13cm in depth and penetrated the heart's right ventricle. She stated that death would have been rapid due to hemorrhage and shock, with 250ml of blood found in the pericardial sac. Dr Bolster noted blunt force injuries to the deceased's hands, consistent with offensive or defensive actions during an altercation, and confirmed that 73mg of ethanol was detected in his system. A knife blade recovered from the scene measured 19.5cm, consistent with the wound. Prosecuting counsel Carl Hanahoe SC alleged that Mr Melnic armed himself with a kitchen knife and stabbed Mr Daghi following a dispute after they spent the night drinking together. The trial continues before Mr Justice David Keane and a jury.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Man (39) died from single stab wound to the chest, pathologist tells trial. Charges or matters: murdering Ion Daghi (39) at The Close, Sallins Park, Sallins in Co Kildare on May 12, 2024; murder but guilty to Mr Daghi's manslaughter. Procedural stage: trial

When:

• May 12, 2024 Incident
• 2025-07-09 Publication

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Trial Violent Crime

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Read the original CNI report