Mark and Louise O’Connor, in their 50s, and their son Evan, who was in his 20s, were killed in the attack in Tallanstown, Ireland. Police confirmed one man has been arrested
A mother, father and son who were killed in a “violent incident” at their home in Ireland have been named and pictured for the first time.
Mark and Louise O’Connor, in their 50s, and their son Evan, who was in his 20s and had special needs, sustained fatal injuries in the suspected stabbing incident that happened in their country stone cottage in a rural area between the three small Co Louth villages of Stonestown, Louth Village and Tallanstown. A male in his 30s, known to the family, is suspected of killing them by fatally stabbing them. He has been arrested.
Emergency services rushed to the scene this morning but the three victims were all pronounced dead. Just before 6pm on Monday, a private ambulance arrived at the home. Gardai said the remains of the deceased had been removed from the scene and taken to Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, where post-mortem examinations will be carried out on Tuesday.
In a statement, gardai said officers responded to a call to attend a residential property shortly before 10am on Monday. “Three people – two males and one female (all adults) – were found deceased at the scene,” they said.
“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 also issued an appeal to any person with information to contact the investigation team by calling Drogheda Garda Station. Ireland’s Justice Minister Jim O’Callaghan said there was no further threat to the public following the “criminal act”.
Mr O’Callaghan said: “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 added: “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 said there was “shock” and “disbelief” around the area, adding: “There are no words – this is beyond shocking. We’re talking three within the one family that are dead.” Mr O Murchu said neighbours were “taken aback”, adding: “My heart goes out to the family and the wider community.”
He said: “This is absolutely rural mid-Louth, nobody was expecting what we heard today.” He appealed for members of the public to provide assistance to gardai if they can and discouraged people from participating 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.”