Robert O'Connor charged over deaths of his parents and brother in Louth

A 31-year-old man has been charged with the murders of his parents and brother after the three family members were found dead at their home near Tallanstown, County Louth. The accused, named in court as Robert O'Connor of Drumgowna, appeared at a special sitting of Drogheda District Court on Tuesday evening.

Prosecutors say Louise O'Connor (56), Mark O'Connor (54) and their son Evan O'Connor (27) were discovered at the property on Monday morning. Robert O'Connor was formally charged with three counts of murder and was remanded in custody to appear again by video link next week.

At the hearing police officer Shane O'Malley told the court that O'Connor "made no reply when charged with each of the offences" when the counts were put to him, the Irish Times reports. The accused sat in the dock wearing a grey sweatshirt and tracksuit bottoms and did not speak during the brief proceedings. Judge Stephanie Coggans remanded him in custody because the District Court cannot grant bail in murder cases.

Defence solicitor Paul J Moore told the court he had spoken to his client's general practitioner and psychiatrist. Moore said his client had been "attending mental health services since he was 22" and asked for a psychiatric assessment to be carried out while his client remains in custody. The judge granted legal aid for a solicitor and one counsel and noted the gravity of the charges.

Robert O'Connor (via Facebook).

The death notice for the three family members, on Rip.ie, reads "Mark was well known for his love of running and was a cherished member of the local running club North East Runners Dundalk, while passionately working for disability advocacy through his career.

"Louise was known by all as kind, spent many years working as a nurse while also volunteering in the community and being a valued member of the Ardee Local Vocals singing group.

"Evan was cherished by all who knew him in the Community, during his time at Abacas School in Drogheda and the Praxis Hub Network in Drogheda.

"Mark, Louise and Evan are survived by Cian and Robert. They are also dearly missed by Cian's fiancé Shauna and her family, the O'Connor and Doherty families and many friends."

Extra.ie reports that "Mark, recently ran the Boston Marathon in April this year, where he was greeted by his son Cian, who had been studying in the US city.

 "Just two weeks ago, Mark and Louise celebrated their 33rd wedding anniversary. Posting on his own social media page, Mr O’Connor shared a photograph of himself and his wife on their wedding day and wrote: 'There I am with Louise Doherty O’Connor 33 years ago today. Still very much in love.'"

Louise, Mark and Evan O'Connor.

Police said investigations are ongoing and appealed for privacy for the wider family while inquiries continue. In a statement officials said they "continue to investigate all of the circumstances of the family tragedy in Louth" and asked anyone with information to contact the incident room in Ardee. A family liaison officer has been appointed and a senior investigating officer is overseeing the inquiry.

The scale of the loss has stunned the local community where the O'Connors were widely known. Neighbors and local groups paid tribute to the couple and their sons, and a candlelight vigil has been organised to allow people to grieve together. A local notice said a candlelit vigil will be held at Stonetown Community Walking Track at 9pm, on October 1, in memory of the O'Connor family.

O'Connor will return to Drogheda District Court by video link next Monday as the State prepares its case and post mortem results are reported. Police have said they are not seeking any other suspects at this time and continue to urge anyone with relevant information to come forward.