A man named Robert O’Connor, aged 31, from Drumgowna, Louth Village, has been brought before the court on charges of murdering his father, mother, and brother. The victims, Mark (54), Louise (56), and Evan (27), were found deceased in their home on Monday morning.
Appearing at a special session of Drogheda District Court before Judge Stephanie Coggans, Robert faced three counts of murder. Garda Sane O’Malley from Drogheda Garda Station provided testimony of the arrest, charge, and cautioning of Robert for the three murders.
Robert was taken into custody at 4:43 pm at Drogheda Garda Station and remained silent after being cautioned. His solicitor, Paul James Moore, requested a psychiatric evaluation, mentioning that Robert had been under mental health care since the age of 22. Judge Coggans approved the assessment and granted legal aid for one counsel across all proceedings.
As bail applications for murder charges are handled by the High Court, Robert did not seek bail during the District Court appearance. The court scheduled his next appearance via video link on Monday, October 6. Throughout the hearing, Robert, dressed in a grey top and black tracksuit bottoms, stayed quiet.
His brother, Cian, accompanied by the family’s garda liaison officer, was present at the court session.