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 6 pm on Tuesday evening. Garda Shane O’Malley from Drogheda Garda Station gave evidence regarding the arrest and the charge of three counts of murder, involving Mark and Louise O’Connor and their son Evan.

The bodies of Mark O’Connor (54), Louise O’Connor (56), and their son Evan O’Connor (27) were found at the family home in Drumgowna, outside Tallanstown village, on Monday morning.

Mr. O’Connor’s solicitor made an application for a psychiatric assessment and legal aid for his client, both of which were granted by the court. When the three counts of murder were put to him by the gardai, O’Connor made no reply and remained expressionless as he appeared in the dock on Tuesday, dressed in a grey sweatshirt and black tracksuit bottoms.

The court also heard that O’Connor has been under the care of mental health services since the age of 22. No application for bail was made, and Judge Stephanie Coggins remanded O’Connor into custody. The accused is scheduled to appear again before Drogheda District Court next Monday.

Superintendent Andrew Watters provided a statement on the incident:

“Shortly before 10 am on Monday, September 29, gardai received a call to attend a domestic residence at Drumgowna, Tallanstown, Co Louth. On arrival, uniformed gardai discovered Mark O’Connor, Louise O’Connor, and their son Evan O’Connor deceased.”

He added that the O’Connor family is very well known and respected in the area. “They are good neighbours and an integral part of their local community in Drumgowna and the wider areas of Louth and Monaghan.”

A family liaison officer has been assigned to support the O’Connor family during this difficult time. An Garda Síochána will continue to keep the family informed of the ongoing investigation and provide support as they come to terms with this tragedy.

Superintendent Watters made an appeal for privacy: “I am appealing for privacy for the family at this time.”
https://www.breakingnews.ie/ireland/man-30s-charged-over-deaths-of-couple-and-son-in-co-louth-1813138.html