Courts / Dublin / Report
Handle with deceased's DNA handed to murder trial jury
Summary
During the murder trial of three men accused of killing Jozip Strok, a jury was presented with a blue and black hard‑plastic handle found by Garda Alan Lagrue near the site where Strok was beaten to death in Grange View, Clondalkin. The handle, described as possibly belonging to a lump hammer or similar tool, was handed to the jury after Lagrue climbed a high wall to retrieve it. Dr Alan McGhee of Forensic Science Ireland confirmed that DNA from the handle matched Strok's profile. The accused—Mark Lee, Anthony Delappe, and Connor Rafferty—have pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter and assault causing harm to Strok and another victim, Mr Druzinec. The trial, presided over by Ms Justice Mary Ellen Ring, continues with a jury of six men and six women. The prosecution maintains that the assault occurred on March 30, 2024, and that Strok died four days later from blunt‑force injuries.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Handle with deceased's DNA handed to murder trial jury. Charges or matters: murder but guilty to the manslaughter of Josip Strok at Grangeview Way in Clondalkin on April 3, 2024; Mr Strok's murder; assault causing harm to Mr Druzinec at the same location. Procedural stage: trial
When:
- April 3, 2024 Incident
- March 30, 2024 Incident
- 2025-10-17 Publication
Case subjects
Accused
Charges: murder but guilty to the manslaughter of Josip Strok at Grangeview Way in Clondalkin on April 3, 2024; Mr Strok's murder; assault causing harm to Mr Druzinec at the same location (Alleged Or Contested)
Plea: Not guilty
Accused
Charges: Mr Strok's murder; assault causing harm to Mr Druzinec at the same location (Alleged Or Contested)
Plea: Not guilty
Accused
Charges: murder but guilty to the manslaughter of Josip Strok at Grangeview Way in Clondalkin on April 3, 2024; Mr Strok's murder; assault causing harm to Mr Druzinec at the same location (Alleged Or Contested)
Plea: Not guilty
Places mentioned
- Dublin
- Grange View
- Alan Lagrue of Clondalkin Garda Station
- Melrose Avenue
- Grangeview Way
Topics
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