Courts / Cavan / Report
Handler tells double murder trial of moment dog gave indication at body scene
Summary
At the Central Criminal Court, a dog handler has testified in the double murder trial of Ruth Lawrence that his specially trained German Shepherd gave an indication at a tarpaulin-covered area on Inchicup Island in Lough Sheelin, where two decomposing bodies were subsequently discovered. Garda Paul Conroy said the dog immediately went into dense undergrowth upon landing on the island on 26 May 2014 and stared at a particular spot. When a scenes of crime officer cut open the tarpaulin, an arm with clothing fell out. A fisherman also told the trial he had noticed a strong smell he associated with decomposing flesh coming from the island approximately one month after the men went missing. Lawrence, with an address in Mountnugent, County Meath, has pleaded not guilty to murdering Anthony Keegan and Eoin O'Connor between 22 April and 26 May 2014. The trial continues before Justice Tony Hunt and a jury.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Handler tells double murder trial of moment dog gave indication at body scene. Charges or matters: murdering Anthony Keegan (33) and Eoin O'Connor (32) at an unknown location within the State on a date between April 22, 2014 and May 26, 2014, both dates inclusive. Procedural stage: trial
When:
- April 22, 2014 Other
- May 26, 2014 Other
- May 18, 2014 Other
- May 26 2014 Other
- May 26 Other
- May 27, 2014 Other
- May 16 2014 Other
- April 24, 2014 Other
- 2025-10-17 Publication
Why: Mr Smith said the reason he got suspicious was because the previous week he had seen The Garda Water Unit "diving elsewhere" and out searching for the "two bodies, the missing men". CNI source report
Case subjects
Accused
Charges: murdering Anthony Keegan (33) and Eoin O'Connor (32) at an unknown location within the State on a date between April 22, 2014 and May 26, 2014, both dates inclusive (Alleged Or Contested)
Plea: Not guilty
Places mentioned
- Dublin
- Mr Smith's view
- Navan
- Ballyjamesduff
- Cavan
- Our Lady's Hospital
Topics
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- Jury considering verdicts for second day in Ruth Lawrence double murder trial
- Jury deliberating in woman's double murder trial
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