Families Testify in Urgent Double Murder Trial of Ruth Lawrence

UPDATE: In a gripping double murder trial unfolding today, families of victims Eoin O’Connor and Anthony Keegan revealed shocking details about their last interactions with the men before their tragic disappearances in April 2014. Ruth Lawrence (45), accused of murdering the two men, has pleaded not guilty, but the testimony paints a chilling picture of their final days.

Today, the jury heard from Karen Roche, O’Connor’s partner of over 11 years, who described her partner as “not himself” just before he vanished. Roche recounted a disturbing phone call O’Connor received at 3:50 PM on April 22, 2014, which seemed to unsettle him. He left their home around 5:30 PM, and she never saw him again.

According to Roche, O’Connor was embroiled in a dangerous situation related to his drug dealings. Prosecutor Michael O’Higgins SC revealed that O’Connor had been selling drugs to Lawrence’s boyfriend, Neville van der Westhuizen, who allegedly owed O’Connor a substantial sum of approximately €70,000.

In a dramatic turn, O’Connor’s brother, Rory O’Connor, testified that he last spoke with his brother at a local football match around 7:30 PM on that fateful day. After repeated unsuccessful attempts to contact Eoin later that night, Rory expressed immediate concern and drove to the home of van der Westhuizen’s associate, Jason Symes, in Co Cavan, where he was met with denials regarding any debts owed to his brother.

The trial also revealed the emotional toll on the families involved. Margaret Keegan, Anthony’s sister, shared that her brother often struggled with personal demons but had been trying to turn his life around. She last spoke to him after 6 PM on April 22, noting he seemed untroubled at the time.

The investigation took a grim turn when the bodies of O’Connor and Keegan were discovered bound and covered on Inchicup Island on May 26, 2014. Prosecutors allege that Lawrence shot O’Connor, followed by her boyfriend, van der Westhuizen, who may have fired the fatal shot.

Prosecutor O’Higgins asserted that the evidence would indicate a premeditated plan between Lawrence and van der Westhuizen to eliminate O’Connor and Keegan. The jury was informed about the disturbing nature of the crime scene and the couple’s discussions about disposing of the bodies.

As the trial progresses, the focus remains on the emotional testimonies from family members and the chilling evidence presented. The court will resume tomorrow, where more insights into the case are expected to unfold.

Stay tuned for developing updates as this trial continues to capture public attention and sheds light on the tragic events surrounding these murders.