The Ruth Lawrence murder trial has taken a shocking turn as forensic evidence revealed both victims, Anthony Keegan and Eoin O’Connor, died instantly from gunshot wounds to the head and neck, whose bodies were found wrapped in coal sacks and tarpaulin on a remote lake island. Lawrence, who denies the charges, is accused of acting with her then-partner to carry out the killings and conceal the bodies in what prosecutors describe as a calculated double murder.
Ruth Lawrence has pleaded not guilty to the 2014 murders of Anthony Keegan and Eoin O’Connor, whose bodies were found wrapped in coal sacks and tarpaulin on a remote lake island. In court, a retired pathologist revealed that both victims died instantly from gunshot wounds to the head and neck. The prosecution alleges Lawrence and her partner worked together to kill and conceal the men, while the defense insists she played no part in the brutal crime.
The Central Criminal Court has heard disturbing forensic evidence in the murder trial of Ruth Lawrence, accused of killing Anthony Keegan (33) and Eoin O’Connor (32) more than a decade ago.
Lawrence, 45, originally from Clontarf in Dublin and now living at Patricks Cottage, Ross, Mountnugent, Co Meath, has pleaded not guilty to the murders, which are alleged to have occurred between April 22 and May 26, 2014, at an unknown location within the State.
Bodies Found on Lake Island
The remains of Mr. Keegan and Mr. O’Connor were discovered on Inchicup Island, located on Lough Sheelin, after an extensive search in May 2014. Their bodies were found wrapped in coal sacks and blue tarpaulin, bound with rope, and covered with debris to conceal them.
Retired Deputy State Pathologist Dr. Michael Curtis told the court that when he examined Mr. Keegan’s decomposed remains at Our Lady’s Hospital in Navan on May 27, 2014, he found two gunshot wounds — one to the head and another to the neck — both of which were instantly fatal.
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“There was a gunshot entry wound to the right side of the head with an exit wound on the left jaw,” Dr. Curtis testified. “The bullet crossed through the head, shattering skull bones. The second shot struck the back of the neck, fracturing two vertebrae. Either of these injuries would have been instantaneously fatal.”
Forensic and Toxicology Findings
Dr. Curtis said toxicology results showed traces of morphine, methadone, zopiclone, and alcohol in Mr. Keegan’s system. Under cross-examination by defence counsel Patrick Gageby SC, the pathologist agreed that the body had no shoes when recovered, suggesting possible disturbance before discovery.
The jury also heard details of how Mr. Keegan’s body was bound with white pleated rope and wrapped in tarpaulin, with coal sacks covering the upper body and feet.
Prosecution Alleges Joint Murder Plot
Prosecuting counsel Michael O’Higgins SC told the jury that the State would argue that Lawrence shot Eoin O’Connor, and that she and her boyfriend, Neville van der Westhuizen, acted together in the killings of both men.
According to the prosecution, Lawrence and van der Westhuizen allegedly “spoke openly” about the murders and the disposal of the bodies. Mr. O’Higgins added that the first gunshot fired by Lawrence was not immediately fatal and was “quickly followed up” by another shot from her partner.
Ongoing Proceedings
The case continues before Mr. Justice Tony Hunt and a jury of four men and eight women. Further evidence and witness testimonies are expected to provide a clearer picture of the events surrounding the 2014 double murder, which shocked communities across Dublin, Cavan, and Meath.
