Courts / Cavan / Report
Ruth Lawrence 'is not a murderer', key witness tells double trial
Summary
During a Central Criminal Court trial on 22 October 2025, key witness Stacey Symes (32) testified that Ruth Lawrence (45) claimed she had shot drug dealer Eoin O'Connor (32) but that the attempt failed, and that her boyfriend Neville van der Westhuizen "took over" and killed O'Connor and Anthony Keegan (33). Symes said she and her father visited Patrick's Cottage on 22 April, where Lawrence allegedly said she had shot O'Connor. Cross‑examination by Patrick Gageby SC challenged Symes, who insisted Lawrence had spoken of shooting. Gageby suggested Neville was the one who shot, but Symes maintained Lawrence's statement. Lawrence, originally from Clontarf, Dublin, pleaded not guilty to the murders of Keegan and O'Connor, which occurred between 22 April and 26 May 2014. The case proceeds before Mr Justice Tony Hunt with a jury of four men and eight women, and Symes' father Jason is scheduled to give direct evidence.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Ruth Lawrence 'is not a murderer', key witness tells double trial. 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 Hearing Or Sentence
- May 26, 2014 Hearing Or Sentence
- April 22 Hearing Or Sentence
- 2025-10-22 Publication
Why: Photo: Collins) Ruth Lawrence is "not a murderer" because it was her boyfriend who "murdered" drug dealer Eoin O'Connor and his friend, a key witness has told a Central Criminal Court trial. 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
Topics
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