Courts / Cavan / Report

Jury deliberating in woman's double murder trial

Summary

The jury has begun deliberations in the trial of Ruth Lawrence, 46, accused of shooting drug dealer Eoin O'Connor and killing drug dealer Anthony Keegan with her boyfriend Neville van der Westhuizen. The case, heard at the Central Criminal Court after a five‑week trial, relies on statements from protected witnesses Jason and Stacey Symes, who claim Lawrence told them she shot O'Connor but that Neville finished the act, and that they were asked to move the bodies. The judge explained that Lawrence could be found guilty of murder on the basis of joint enterprise only if she assisted in a concrete way and had a purpose to help the killings. The jury may return a verdict of guilty of murder, guilty of assisting an offender, or not guilty for each murder charge, and must decide unanimously.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Jury deliberating in woman's double murder trial. Charges or matters: murdering Mr Keegan and Mr O'Connor 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
• 2025-11-06 Publication

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Drugs Stage Trial Violent Crime

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• Jury to continue deliberations for fifth day in woman's double murder trial
• Jury in woman's double murder trial given majority verdict option
• Jury in woman's double murder trial cease deliberations for weekend
• Jury considering verdicts for second day in Ruth Lawrence double murder trial
• Assisting offender verdict may be open to Ruth Lawrence double murder trial jury

Read the original CNI report