Home / Crime and Justice / Partner Tortured Woman Before Death, Inquest Hears
Partner Tortured Woman Before Death, Inquest Hears
9 Oct
Summary
- Woman found bruised in overflowing bath in 2016.
- Partner accused of physical and mental torture.
- Charges against partner were dropped two years later.
An inquest in Lurgan is examining the 2016 death of Laura Marshall, whose body was discovered in an overflowing bath. Her cousin, Deirdre Toman, testified that Marshall had disclosed ongoing physical and mental abuse at the hands of her former partner, Gary O'Dowd, describing his actions as "torture."
Toman recounted that Marshall suffered severe burns in May 2015, requiring skin grafts, and initially claimed an accident. However, she later admitted O'Dowd had thrown boiling water at her. Marshall's family noted her increasing isolation after starting the relationship with O'Dowd.
Despite Toman's efforts to connect Marshall with agencies like Women's Aid and the Housing Executive, Marshall consistently reported resolving issues with O'Dowd. The couple's last communication was a text exchange the day after Toman's wedding, where Marshall spoke of a "fresh start."
Gary O'Dowd was arrested and charged with Marshall's murder in 2016. However, the Public Prosecution Service withdrew all charges two years later, leading to the case being dropped.
