The victims of a horrific triple murder in Ireland have been identified as parents Mark and Louise O’Connor, both in their 50s, and their son Evan, who was in his 20s and had special needs. The family were found dead at their rural stone cottage nestled between the quaint Co Louth villages of Stonestown, Louth Village and Tallanstown.
A man in his 30s, known to the family, is suspected of carrying out the fatal stabbings and has been arrested.
Emergency services were called to the scene early this morning but tragically, all three victims were pronounced dead. Later in the evening, a private ambulance arrived to transport the bodies from the scene. The news comes as a murder investigation was launched after man found dead in road.
Gardai confirmed that the remains of the deceased had been taken to Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, where post-mortem examinations are set to take place on Tuesday.
In an official statement, gardai revealed they responded to a call to attend the residential property just before 10am on Monday. “Three people – two males and one female (all adults) – were found deceased at the scene,” they reported, reports the Mirror.
“The scene has been preserved for technical examination. The offices of the coroner and the state pathologist have been notified. A male, aged in his 30s, has been arrested and is currently detained at a station in the Garda North West Region under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act 1984.”
Gardai have also urged anyone with information to contact the investigation team by telephoning Drogheda Garda Station.
Ireland’s Justice Minister Jim O’Callaghan confirmed there was no ongoing threat to the public following the “criminal act”.
Mr O’Callaghan stated: “I have information, An Garda Siochana have passed on information that I have received to the office. I am conscious that it is a developing story and it is a sensitive issue but there is no further information I can put into the public domain at present.
“I think further information will become available in due course.”
He continued: “What I can say and what gardai have said is that they are not looking for anyone else in respect of this criminal act. There is no ongoing threat to the public in Co Louth.”
Sinn Fein TD Ruairi O Murchu described “shock” and “disbelief” throughout the area, saying: “There are no words – this is beyond shocking. We’re talking three within the one family that are dead.”
Mr O Murchu said locals were “taken aback”, adding: “My heart goes out to the family and the wider community.”
He stated: “This is absolutely rural mid-Louth, nobody was expecting what we heard today.”
He urged members of the public to assist gardai if possible and discouraged people from engaging in speculation. Also at the scene, Fianna Fail councillor John Sheridan said the family involved was “well known and respected” in the area.
He added: “They were very much seen a lot, that’s probably what makes this all the more shocking.”
Local councillor Rachel Kerley spoke of the shock around the community and also called on people not to be speculating in group chats and on social media. “It was a complete shock this morning, people were not expecting this tragedy at all,” she told the Irish Mirror.
“I think we need to be vigilant as we are a small rural community, so there are a lot of people who are affected by this tragedy and our thoughts are with the family, friends and wider community. There is complete devastation around.”
