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LAST UPDATE | 30 Sep
A MAN HAS been charged with the murder of his parents and brother in Co Louth.
Robert O’Connor, 31, appeared before a special sitting of Drogheda District Court this evening.
It comes after the bodies of Mark O’Connor (54), his wife Louise O’Connor (56) and their son Evan (27), who has additional needs, were found yesterday morning at the family home outside Tallanstown village.
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, 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.
Defence solicitor Paul Moore made an application for a psychiatric assessment for his client, and also an application for legal aid.
No application for bail was made.
Judge Stephanie Coggans remanded O’Connor into custody.
He is next to appear in the same court via videolink on Monday 6 October.
Robert was arrested yesterday morning. Shortly before 10am on Monday, gardaí had received a call to attend a house at Drumgowna in Co Louth.
Drumgowna is a small, rural area between the three villages of Tallanstown, Louth village and Stonetown.
When gardaí arrived, they discovered the bodies of the three members of the family.
A family liaison officer has been assigned to support the family.
Yesterday evening, the remains of the deceased were removed from the scene to Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in Drogheda and post mortem examinations are taking place today.
An incident room has been established at Ardee Garda Station and a senior investigating officer has been appointed to oversee the investigation.
Additional reporting from Press Association
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