Man (31) charged with murder of his parents and brother in Co Louth

Michael Bolton

A 31-year-old man has been charged with the murder of three of his family members in Co Louth on Monday morning.

Robert O’Connor from Drumgowna, Louth Village, Co Louth, appeared before a special sitting of Drogheda District Court shortly after 6pm on Tuesday evening.

Garda Shane O’Malley from Drogheda Garda Station gave evidence of arrest and charge of three counts of murder of Mark and Louise O'Connor and their son Evan.

The bodies of Mark and Louise O’Connor and their son, Evan, were found at the family’s home in Dromgowna, outside Tallanstown village on Monday morning.

Mr O’Connor’s solicitor made an application for psychiatric assessment and legal aid for his client, both of which were granted.

The court heard that O’Connor made no reply when the three counts of murder were put to him by gardaí.

He remained expressionless as he appeared in the dock on Tuesday, dressed in a grey coloured sweatshirt and black tracksuit bottoms.

The court heard that he has been with mental health services since the age of 22.

No application for bail was made.

Judge Stephanie Coggans remanded O’Connor into custody.

The accused was remanded in custody to appear before Drogheda District Court next Monday.

Superintendent Andrew Watters said: “Shortly before 10am yesterday Monday September 29, gardaí received a call to attend a domestic residence at Drumgowna, Tallanstown, Co Louth.

“On arrival at the house, uniform gardaí discovered Mark O’Connor, 54, Louise O’Connor, 56 and their son Evan O’Connor, 27, deceased.

“The O’Connor family are a very well known and respected family.

“They are good neighbours and an integral part of their local community in Drumgowna and the wider area of Louth and Monaghan.

“A family liaison officer has been assigned to support the O’Connor family.

“An Garda Síochána will keep the family informed of the ongoing investigation and support them as they come to terms with this tragedy. I am appealing for privacy for the family at this time."