Courts / Donegal / Report
Man who killed parents believed he was "sending them to heaven", trial hears
Summary
Julian Cuddihy, 44, pleaded not guilty to two counts of murder by reason of insanity at the Central Criminal Court. He is charged with killing his mother, Kathleen Cuddihy, 73, and his father, James Cuddihy, 77, at their home in Churchtown, Carndonagh, Co Donegal, on October 22, 2014. Defence counsel Brendan Grehan SC stated that Cuddihy admits to the killings and accepts the facts outlined by gardai. Prosecution counsel Denis Vaughan Buckley SC told the jury that two psychiatrists would testify that Cuddihy, a paranoid schizophrenic, suffered from delusions at the time. Dr Damian Mohan will evidence that Cuddihy believed his mother commanded him to kill her and held a grudge related to his desire to join the IRA. Dr Fiona Toal will state that Cuddihy believed he was facilitating their entry to heaven and felt compelled by voices. Both doctors concluded his mental illness prevented him from stopping the act. Detective Garda Bernard Mullins responded to a 999 call from Cuddihy's brother, who found the victims dead. State Pathologist Professor Marie Cassidy concluded both died from head trauma. The trial continues before Justice Margaret Heneghan and a jury of 12.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Man who killed parents believed he was "sending them to heaven", trial hears. Charges or matters: two counts of murdering his mother Kathleen Cuddihy (73), and his father James Cuddihy (77), at their family home in Churchtown, Carndonagh, Co Donegal on October 22, 2014; both counts by reason of insanity. Procedural stage: trial
When:
- October 22, 2014 Hearing Or Sentence
- October 23 Other
- 2016-06-07 Publication
Why: He said that he also had a grudge against his mother because she did not support his wish to join the IRA, a wish that was inspired by his delusions of persecution. CNI source report
Case subjects
Accused
Charges: two counts of murdering his mother Kathleen Cuddihy (73), and his father James Cuddihy (77), at their family home in Churchtown, Carndonagh, Co Donegal on October 22, 2014; both counts by reason of insanity (Alleged Or Contested)
Places mentioned
- Central Criminal Court
Topics
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