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Jury hears that man accused of murdering mother told gardai: 'I didn't kill the bitch'
Summary
During the Central Criminal Court hearing, Billy Burns, aged 55, was accused of murdering his 75‑year‑old mother, Miriam Burns, between 12 and 15 August 2022. He pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity and admitted to killing her. The jury heard that Burns had previously broken his mother's jaw in 1993 and had a history of verbal abuse and drug use. Witnesses, including his siblings Sharon and Shane Kelleher, testified that Burns was often violent and that their mother had tried to help him despite fearing his aggression. Gardaí interviewed Burns on 16 August 2022, during which he denied responsibility for the murder and claimed he had not killed his mother. The trial continues before a jury of eight men and four women.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Jury hears that man accused of murdering mother told gardai: 'I didn't kill the bitch'. Charges or matters: murdering Miriam Burns (75), on a date unknown between August 12 and 15, 2022, both dates inclusive, at the deceased's home in Ardshanavooley, Killarney. Procedural stage: trial
When:
- August 12 Incident
- August 15, 2022 Other
- August 12 2022 Other
- August 16, 2022 Incident
- August 16 Hearing Or Sentence
- February 2023 Hearing Or Sentence
- 2025-11-13 Publication
Why: He recalled Billy scalding their older sister Sharon with an iron because she told Billy to "calm down" during an argument with their mother. CNI source report
Case subjects
Accused
Charges: murdering Miriam Burns (75), on a date unknown between August 12 and 15, 2022, both dates inclusive, at the deceased's home in Ardshanavooley, Killarney (Alleged Or Contested)
Plea: Not guilty
Places mentioned
- Central Criminal Court
- interviewed him at Killarney Garda Station
- Killarney
Topics
Drugs Stage Trial Violent Crime
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