Man (31) charged with murder of his parents...

Louth Man Charged with Murder of Three Family Members

A 31-year-old man has been charged with the murder of three relatives in County Louth on Monday morning.

Robert O’Connor, from Drumgowna, Louth Village, appeared before a special sitting of Drogheda District Court shortly after 6pm on Tuesday. He faces charges for the deaths of Mark (54) and Louise O’Connor (56) and their son Evan (27).

Garda Shane O’Malley confirmed the arrest and formal charges of three counts of murder. O’Connor made no reply when the charges were read and remained expressionless in the dock, dressed in a grey sweatshirt and black tracksuit bottoms.

O’Connor has been in contact with mental health services since the age of 22. His solicitor successfully applied for a psychiatric assessment and legal aid, both of which were granted. No application for bail was made, and Judge Stephanie Coggans remanded him in custody to reappear before Drogheda District Court next Monday.

Superintendent Andrew Watters said Gardaí responded to a call shortly before 10am on Monday to the family home in Drumgowna, Tallanstown. On arrival, officers discovered the bodies of the three family members. He described the O’Connors as a “well-known and respected family” and confirmed that a family liaison officer has been assigned to support relatives during the investigation. Superintendent Watters appealed for privacy for the family at this difficult time.

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