Robert O'Connor pleads insanity in Co Louth triple murder trial

Robert O'Connor, 32, has entered pleas of not guilty by reason of insanity or guilty of manslaughter on the basis of diminished responsibility for the deaths of three family members in Co Louth.

The charges relate to the deaths of his parents, Mark and Louise O'Connor, and his younger brother, Evan O'Connor, which occurred at their home in Drumgowna between September 28 and 29, 2025. While O'Connor accepts he caused the deaths, the central legal issue for the Central Criminal Court to determine is his intent.

The court heard that the bodies were discovered by a carer arriving to collect Evan O'Connor, who had severe autism. The witness initially mistook a blood-stained body near the gate for a Halloween decoration before discovering the victims and alerting emergency services.

Ms Justice Siobhan Lankford warned the empanelled jury that the evidence, particularly regarding pathology, may be “difficult or distressing.” She instructed jurors to maintain objectivity and to notify the court if they feel unable to remain impartial.