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Diminished Responsibility in Triple Slaying
4 Nov
Summary
- Man found not guilty of murder but guilty of manslaughter by diminished responsibility.
- Jury accepted evidence of schizophrenia relapse causing killings.
- Victims sustained a combined 139 stab wounds during the attacks.
A 32-year-old man was found not guilty of murder but guilty of manslaughter by diminished responsibility for the deaths of his parents and younger brother. The Central Criminal Court in Dublin heard psychiatric evidence that Robert O'Connor suffered a schizophrenia relapse in September 2025, leading to the killings. His family members, Louise O'Connor, Mark O'Connor, and Evan O'Connor, were found deceased at their County Louth home.
During the trial, O'Connor's legal team requested a verdict of not guilty by reason of insanity, emphasizing the need for proper mental health treatment. Expert psychiatric witnesses presented differing opinions on whether O'Connor met the criteria for insanity versus diminished responsibility. While one forensic psychiatrist believed he met the insanity criteria, another concluded he qualified for diminished responsibility, citing remorse and understanding of his role.
The prosecution presented that the victims sustained a combined 139 stab wounds. O'Connor admitted to causing their deaths, stating he had argued with his parents over drugs and lost control. He also mentioned a struggle with his brother, Evan, who had autism. The jury deliberated for over four hours before reaching unanimous verdicts. O'Connor's sentence hearing is scheduled for December 14.
