Mens Rea: A true crime podcast

This episode was originally published asa Patreon exclusive on 12 Jan 2020.In 2016, shocking news broke that an elderly couple were found dead in their own home in rural Co Mayo, and a younger man was found there too - badly injured. Over the following days, while family friends and the community in Irishtown grappled with the tragic news, it became clear that something very sinister had occurred in the small farmhouse. And for reasons - that to this day - have yet to come to light.Music:Kevin McLeod, Quinns Song : The Dance Begins. (incompetech.com)                              Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/Sources:Ryan Nugent, “Village in shock over tragedy involving 'saint like' pair who were the perfect match” in The Irish Independent https://www.independent.ie/irish-news/village-in-shock-over-tragedy-involving-saintlike-pair-who-were-the-perfect-match-35184599.html (3 November 2016)   Ryan Nugent, “Death in rural Mayo: murder and suicide suspected in deaths of elderly couple” in The Irish Independent https://www.independent.ie/irish-news/deaths-in-rural-mayo-murder-and-suicide-suspected-in-deaths-of-elderly-couple-35184593.html (3 November 2016)   Ryan Nugent, “Neighbours in quiet rural area left stunned by couple's death” in The Irish Independent https://www.independent.ie/irish-news/neighbours-in-quiet-rural-area-left-stunned-by-couples-deaths-35190063.html (5 November 2016)   Meave Sheehan, “Mayo father suspected of killing wife, attacking son – then taking own life” in The Irish Independent https://www.independent.ie/irish-news/mayo-father-suspected-of-killing-wife-attacking-son-then-taking-own-life-35191796.html (6 November 2016)   Robin Schiller, “Tragic Mayo couple will be buried together” in The Irish Independent https://www.independent.ie/irish-news/tragic-mayo-couple-will-be-buried-together-35193648.html (7 November 2016) Greg Harkin, “'A silence has fallen across this parish' – Priest tells of 'shattered community' at double funeral of Tom and Kitty Fitzgerald” in The Irish Independent https://www.independent.ie/irish-news/a-silence-has-fallen-across-this-parish-priest-tells-of-shattered-community-at-double-funeral-of-tom-and-kitty-fitzgerald-35194737.html (7 November 2016)   Greg Harkin, “Community mourns as couple who died in murder-suicide laid to rest together” in The Irish Independent https://www.independent.ie/irish-news/community-mourns-as-couple-who-died-in-murdersuicide-laid-to-rest-together-35196930.html (8 November 2016)   Tom Shiel, “Man killed wife then took his own life, inquest told” in The Irish Times (21 November 2017) p. 4.   Tom Shiel, “Couple's deaths left community 'like orphans looking for a hand to hold' priest tells funeral” in The Irish Times (8 November 2016) p. 8.   Tom Shiel, “Bodies of two pensioners found in Mayo” in The Irish Times (2 November 2016) p. 4. Tom Shiel, “Mayo couple's deaths a murder-suicide” in The Irish Times (3 November 2016) p. 1.   Anton McNulty, “Horrific Evidence heard at murder/suicide inquest” in The Mayo News http://www.mayonews.ie/news/31158-horrific-evidence-heard-at-murder-suicide-inquest (21 November 2017)   Darragh McDonagh, “Verdict of murder-suicide recorded at inquest into deaths of Tom and Kitty Fitzgerald (72)” in TheJournal.ie https://www.thejournal.ie/murder-suicide-mayo-fitzgerald-3707726-Nov2017/ (20 November 2017)  Caroline Crawford, “Son has no memory of what happened the day his parents died in murder-suicide, inquest hears” in The Irish Independent https://www.independent.ie/irish-news/courts/son-has-no-memory-of-what-happened-the-day-his-parents-died-in-murdersuicide-inquest-hears-36336486.html (20 November 2017)   Emma Lake, “OAP found battered to death next to husband who was dead in water trough surrounded by poison next to badly injured man” in The Sun  https://www.thesun.co.uk/news/2098419/oap-found-battered-to-death-next-to-husband-who-was-dead-in-water-trough-surrounded-by-poison-next-to-badly-injured-man/ (2 November 2016)   Ryan Nugent, “Answers to grisly deaths of couple lie within the home” in The Evening Herald https://www.herald.ie/news/answers-to-grisly-deaths-of-couple-lie-within-the-home-35184129.html (3 November 2016)   James Ward and Tom Shiel, “Heartfelt tributes paid to elderly couple  found 'beaten to death' in Mayo home” in The Irish Mirror https://www.irishmirror.ie/news/irish-news/heartfelt-tributes-paid-elderly-couple-9176939 (1 November 2016)   Trevor Quinn, “'God's own way is not our way': brother of Tom Fitzgerald pays tribute to slain Mayo man” in The Irish Mirror https://www.irishmirror.ie/news/irish-news/gods-way-not-way-brother-9180453 (2 November 2016)   “Homicide verdicts at inquest into deaths of Mayo couple” in The Connaught Telegraph https://www.con-telegraph.ie/news/roundup/articles/2017/11/20/4148750-homicide-verdicts-at-inquests-into-deaths-of-mayo-couple/ (20 November 2017)   Cianan Brennan, “'A silence fell across this parish' – funeral takes place of pensioners found dead at home” in TheJournal.ie https://www.thejournal.ie/tom-kitty-fitzgerald-funeral-3068005-Nov2016/ (7 November 2016)   Sinead O'Carroll and Cianan Brennan, “Married couple found dead in house on Galway/Mayo border” in TheJournal.ie https://www.thejournal.ie/irishtown-mayo-bodies-3057574-Nov2016/ (1 November 2016)   Tom Sheil, “Murder-suicide verdict returned in Mayo inquest” in The Irish Times https://www.irishtimes.com/news/crime-and-law/courts/coroner-s-court/murder-suicide-verdict-returned-in-mayo-inquest-1.3298900 (20 November 2016)   

This episode was originally published as a Patreon exclusive on 2 December 2018In this episode we take a look at the little-known so-called "satanic" murder of John Horgan (7) in Palmerstown, Dublin in 1973. John and his family lived in a quiet neighbourhood of 9 houses backing on to a field. It was there that his 16 year old neighbour, Lorcan Bale, took him and struck him in the back of the head, killing him.  Lorcan then brought John's body to the attic of his house - next door to the Horgan's - and trussed him up in the shape of a cross and in front of a home-made altar.No real explanation for the murder would ever emerge. PLEASE NOTE  - For some reason - possibly autocorrect - I mention the "Skylark Hotel" in Dublin. No such hotel exists. What I meant to say was the Skylon Hotel.  I was half right? Sorry guys! My bad. Theme Song: Quinn's Song: First Dance by Kevin McLeod Sources: “The Devil is in the Detail”, in Broadsheet.ie https://www.broadsheet.ie/2016/page/382/ 22 June 2016“Public servant and pillar of the church. guilty of the nation’s most gruesome ever ritual murder” from The Mail on Sunday https://dialogueireland.wordpress.com/2011/10/19/public-servant-and-pillar-of-the-church-guilty-of-the-nations-most-gruesome-ever-ritual-murder/ 14 August 2011David Malone, The Boy in  the Attic (Edinburgh: Mainstream Publishing, 2011)  Purchase here 

This episode was originally published as a Patreon exclusive on 6 Oct 2019In the early hours of the 11th February, 1984, Patrick Nugent died in a car park in front of Bunratty Castle, Co Clare. There had been a party, and Patrick was working in the castle that night. A number of guests were present for the events leading up to Patrick's death, but, none of their stories were consistent with one another. Two guests - off duty gardai - would not speak to the officers who responded to the scene.At a post-mortem it was established that Patrick had been run over by a car, but not before falling to the ground.What happened to Patrick Nugent? Music:Kevin McLeod, Quinns Song : The Dance Begins. (incompetech.com)                              Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/Sources:“What Happened in Bunratty?” Episode 29 Scannal (RTE, 26/09/2016) Available here: https://www.rte.ie/player/series/the-scannal-collection/SI0000004189?epguid=IH000338537 The History of Shannon Airport https://www.shannonproperties.ie/shannon-region/the-history-of-shannon-airport/ Bunratty Castle: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bunratty_Castle                                 www.bunrattycastle.ie   Economic History of the Republic of Ireland https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Economic_history_of_the_Republic_of_Ireland#1980_to_early_1990s Derek Dunne, “The Death of Patrick Nugent” from Magill https://magill.ie/archive/death-patrick-nugent (12 June 1985)  Simon Carswell, “Who 'clocked' Patrick Nugent? A family still searches for answers” in The Irish Times https://www.irishtimes.com/news/crime-and-law/who-clocked-patrick-nugent-a-family-still-searches-for-answers-1.3107557 (5 June 2017)   Dan Danaher, “Patrick Nugent's family secures state inquiry into his death in 1984” in The Irish Examiner https://www.irishexaminer.com/ireland/patrick-nugents-family-secures-state-inquiry-into-his-death-in-1984-373317.html (28 December 2015)   Dan Danaher, “Family fury over death inquiry delay” in The Clare Champion https://clarechampion.ie/family-fury-over-death-inquiry-delay/ (11 September 2015)   Owen Ryan, “Death in Bunratty and the long search for answers” in The Clare Champion https://clarechampion.ie/family-fury-over-death-inquiry-delay/ ( (29 July 2019)    http://www.section42inquiries.ie/en/s42i/pages/si1992017 Anne Sheridan, “Suspicious death in Bunratty ow under review 33 years on” in The Limerick Leader https://www.limerickleader.ie/news/home/253965/suspicious-death-in-bunratty-now-under-review-33-years-on.html (8 June 2017)   “Nugent case goes to UN Committee” in The Clare Champion http://clarechampion.ie/nugent-case-goes-to-un-committee/ (4 February 2016)   Ray Ryan, “'Isn't he the image of Honey Fitz” in The Irish Examiner https://www.irishexaminer.com/ireland/isnt-he-the-image-of-honey-fitz-234702.html (21 June 2013)   Caroline O'Doherty, “Reviews into Garda malpractice claims are pointless, say victims” in The Irish Examiner https://www.irishexaminer.com/ireland/reviews-into-garda-malpractice-claims-are-pointless-say-victims-378790.html (29 January 2016)   

This episode was originally published as a Patreon exclusive on 2 June 2019.This is our first bonus episode to take place outside of Ireland, but involves an Irish couple living and working in Australia.Tina Cahill and David 'Motcha' Walsh met in Sydney after they both moved in 2013. Their relationship was turbulent and marked with violent incidents. They got engaged in late 2016, but only months later, David Walsh was dead.You'll hear the word "allegedly" throughout this episode, as David wasn't around in court to tell his side of the story relating to his behaviour in their relationship. Music:Kevin McLeod, Quinns Song : The Dance Begins. (incompetech.com)                              Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/For a full list of sources, please see menreapod.com

This episode was originally published as a Patreon exclusive on 5 May 2019.Two women were murdered in the 1980's in Kilkenny. They were unconnected, and unsolved. It would be years before the two murders were "rediscovered" by the Garda Cold Case Unit - the National Serious Crime Review Unit. Appeals for information were made to the public, and now, 30 years on, there have been developments in the cases....Music:Kevin McLeod, Quinns Song : The Dance Begins. (incompetech.com)                              Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/Sources:“Man (52) due to be charged in connection with murder of Ann Nancy Smith in 2987” in The Irish Independent https://www.independent.ie/irish-news/courts/man-52-due-to-be-charged-in-connection-with-murder-of-ann-nancy-smith-in-1987-34113928.html (15 October 2015) Natasha Reid, “Cold-case trial hears widow already dead when house set on fire” in The Irish Times https://www.irishtimes.com/news/crime-and-law/courts/criminal-court/cold-case-trial-hears-widow-already-dead-when-house-set-on-fire-1.3023788 (24 March 2017)Natasha Reid, “Kilkenny murder trial: Nancy Smyth subjected to head injuries and strangled before fire started in her home” in The Kilkenny People https://www.kilkennypeople.ie/news/home/241784/kilkenny-murder-trial-nancy-smyth-subjected-to-head-injuries-and-strangled-before-fire-started-in-her-home.html (24 March 2017)Jim Cusack, “Killer repeatedly given bail despite threatening witnesses and stabbing his brother – after admitting murder” in The Irish Independent https://www.independent.ie/irish-news/courts/killer-repeatedly-given-bail-despite-threatening-witnesses-and-stabbing-his-brother-after-admitting-murder-35626554.html (16 April 2017)Sandra Murphy, “How murderer of pensioner Nancy Smyth was fianlly caught after 30 years” from Evoke.ie https://extra.ie/2017/04/20/news/real-life/how-detectives-cracked-cold-case-of-murder-of-pensioner-nancy-smyth (20 April 2017)   Eoin Reynolds, “'Closure' for family in cold-case” in The Irish Examiner https://www.irishexaminer.com/ireland/closure-for-family-in-cold-case-murder-447831.html (14 April 2017)Natasha Reid, “Bible study man strangled widow and set fire to her home, cold case murder trial hears” in The Irish Independent https://www.independent.ie/irish-news/courts/bible-study-man-strangled-widow-and-set-fire-to-her-home-coldcase-murder-trial-hears-35555465.html (22 March 2017)   Natasha Reid, “Cold case trial hears of widow's murder 30 years ago” in The Irish Independent https://www.independent.ie/irish-news/courts/cold-case-trial-hears-of-widows-murder-30-years-ago-35557331.html (23 March 2017)   Eoin Reynolds, “Woman died 'callouss and violent death', murder trial hears” in The Irish Times https://www.irishtimes.com/news/crime-and-law/courts/criminal-court/woman-died-callous-and-violent-death-murder-trial-hears-1.3045399 (11 April 2017)   Ruaidhri Giblin, “Appeal dismissed” Convicted murderer confessed to people 'left right and centre' to killing woman 30 years ago as life sentence upheld” in The Irish Sun https://www.thesun.ie/news/2466416/convicted-murderer-confessed-to-people-left-right-and-centre-to-killing-woman-30-years-ago-as-life-sentence-upheld/ (19 April 2018)Ruaidhri Giblin, “'Cold-case' killer moves to appeal conviction for murder of woman in Kilkenny 30 years ago” in The Kilkenny People https://www.kilkennypeople.ie/news/home/295419/cold-case-killer-moves-to-appeal-conviction-for-murder-of-woman-in-kilkenny-30-years-ago.html (5 February 2018)   Conor Lally, “Gardai identify suspect in cold case murder of Marie Tierney in 1984” in The Irish Times https://www.irishtimes.com/news/crime-and-law/garda%C3%AD-identify-suspect-in-cold-case-murder-of-marie-tierney-in-1984-1.3681898 (31 October 2018)   Wayne O'Conner, “Family of murdered Marie believe gardai closer to finding killer” in The Irish Independent https://www.independent.ie/irish-news/news/family-of-murdered-marie-believe-gardai-closer-to-finding-killer-37489911.html (4 November 2018)   Barry Cummins, “Family of murder victim Marie Tierney speak of ongoing anguish” from RTE.ie  https://www.rte.ie/news/ireland/2018/1115/1011234-marie-tierney/ (15 November 2018)   Cormac O'Keefe, “Garda review of one unsolved murder unearths a second case” in The Irish Examiner https://www.irishexaminer.com/breakingnews/ireland/garda-review-of-one-unsolved-murder-unearths-second-case-882462.html (1 November 2018)    Paul Hosford, “Gardai appeal for information into 1984 murder of mother of two” in TheJournal.ie https://www.thejournal.ie/marie-tierney-murder-appeal-3686145-Nov2017/ (8 November 2017)   Press Release: Garda Update – Marie Tierney Murder Investigation from Garda.ie https://www.garda.ie/en/about-us/our-departments/office-of-corporate-communications/press-releases/2018/october/update-marie-tierney-murder-investigation.html   “Cold Case Breakthrough” Potential witness in Marie Tierney murder investigation comes forward” from KilkennyNow.ie https://kilkennynow.ie/breaking-potential-witness-in-marie-tierney-murder-investigation-comes-forward/ (20 December 2018)   

This episode was initially released as a Patreon exclusive on 8th Sept 2019In November of 1997, Eileen O'Shaughnessy went to work as normal. She drove a taxi in Galway City, and was one of the few women drivers in the countryBut on the night of the 30th of that month, Eileen's car was found abandoned in the city with blood all over the drivers seat. Her body was found the next day. The case remains unsolved.Music:Kevin McLeod, Quinns Song : The Dance Begins. (incompetech.com)                              Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/Sources:Cracking Crime: Cold Cases – Eileen O'Shaughnessy RTE (2012) watch here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R7Hg2mzVRmQ&list=PLdWT38WOXNebh2AJOBn2Ew-tjMgtnC_0n&index=4 Barry Cummins, Lifers (Dublin: Gill & McMillan, 2014)   Garda Press Release https://www.garda.ie/en/Crime-Prevention/Crimecall-on-RTE/Crimecall-Episodes/2017/November-20/Murder-of-Eileen-Costello-O%E2%80%99Shaughnessy-on-the-30-11-97.html#targetText=Murder%20of%20Eileen%20Costello%20O,on%20the%2030%2F11%2F97&targetText=Garda%C3%AD%20in%20Galway%20are%20continuing,taxi%20driver%20in%20Galway%20City. (20 November 2017)   Declan Rooney, “Taxi driver carry stickers on cars in bid to find killer” in The Irish Examiner https://www.irishexaminer.com/ireland/taxi-drivers-carry-stickers-on-cars-in-bid-to-find-killer-215158.html (27 November 2012) Declan Tierney, “New Leads in 20 year old murder” from The Connacht Tribune http://claregalway.info/nuacht/news/2017/12/new-leads-20-year-old-murder/ (14 December 2017)   Lorna Siggins, “Family of Murdered woman believe gardai talking to the wrong man” in The Irish Times https://www.irishtimes.com/news/family-of-murdered-woman-believe-gardai-talking-to-the-wrong-man-1.1128374 (30 November 2002)   Ciaran Tierney, “Convicted murderer is questioned about taxi driver killing” in The Irish Times  https://www.irishtimes.com/news/convicted-murderer-is-questioned-about-taxi-driver-killing-1.317571 (13 July 2001)   Declan Tierney, “Family still searches for answers 19 years after brutal murder” in The Connacht Tribune https://connachttribune.ie/family-still-searches-for-answers-19-years-after-brutal-murder-019/ (26 December 2016)   “Man jailed for murder committed while on day release” in The Irish Times https://www.irishtimes.com/news/man-jailed-for-murder-committed-while-on-day-release-1.1119595 (6 December 2000)   “Taxi woman killed for her £70 takings” in The Irish Independent https://www.independent.ie/irish-news/taxi-woman-killed-for-her-70-takings-26200462.html (4 December 1997) 

This episode was first released as a Patreon exclusive on 7th October 2018This is the story of the shocking killing of Tom O'Gorman by his lodger, Sevario Bellante, who suffered from schizophrenia. Bellante had recently been weaned off his medication under medical supervision, and on medical advice to do so, but this would have tragic results. Theme Music: Quinn’s Song: First Dance by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/For a full list of sources, please see mensreapod.com

This Bonus episode was first published as a "Guilt Trip" episode on Patreon on 7th April 2019. Dolores McCrea married the man that she had met and fallen for while in Secondary School in Donegal. But her husband, Gary, was a controlling man and became abusive. Soon the violence became too much for Dolores and she left Gary, bringing along their four daughters. But often the time after a person leaves their abuser is the most dangerous. And this was the case for Dolores. Gary McCrea had plans for Dolores once she left him which would lead him to standing in the dock in the Four Courts just over a year later. Music:Kevin McLeod, Quinns Song : The Dance Begins. (incompetech.com)                              Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/Sources:24 Hours to Kill – Gary McCrea Season 4, episode 1. https://www.dailymotion.com/video/x2j7aj3Ken Foy, “Meet the bone expert who has helped to jail some of our nost notorious killers” in The Evening Herald https://www.herald.ie/news/meet-the-bone-expert-who-has-helped-to-jail-some-of-our-most-notorious-killers-31466476.html (21 August 2015)“Hundreds expected at Dolores McCrea's funeral” from The Irish Examiner https://www.irishexaminer.com/breakingnews/ireland/hundreds-expected-at-dolores-mccrea-funeral-157311.html (16 July 2004)Kathy Donaghy, “Dad-of-four gets life for murder” in The Irish Independent https://www.independent.ie/irish-news/dadoffour-gets-life-for-murder-25955289.html (5 November 2005)“Daughter says man told her he would kill her mother” in The Tirish Times  https://www.irishtimes.com/news/daughter-says-man-told-her-he-would-kill-her-mother-1.507798   (20 October 2005)   Kathy Donaghy, “'My father told me he was going to stab my mother and rip her guts out'” in The Irish Independent https://www.independent.ie/irish-news/my-father-told-me-he-was-going-to-stab-my-mother-and-rip-her-guts-out--25955291.html (5 Novmeber 2005)“Mechanic gets life sentence for murdering wife” in The Irish Times https://www.irishtimes.com/news/mechanic-gets-life-sentence-for-murdering-wife-1.514254 (5 November 2005) 

In 1981, Nora Sheehan went missing from Ballyphehane, Co Cork. She was found dead a week later, and gardai soon had a prime suspect for her murder while investigating another crime. But a series of setbacks meant no trial was held in the case until 2023. This episode was researched and written by Aileen Spearin.********Find us on Facebook or Twitter!With thanks to our supporters on Patreon! Donate today to get access to bonus and ad-free episodes!Check out the Mens Rea Merch Store!*********Theme Music:Quinn’s Song: The Dance Begins Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/Additional Music:   Allemande (Sting) by Wahneta Meixsell. Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/*********Sources:Prime Time, “Family of cold case murder victim speak out”, available here on RTE Player“Missing woman”, Irish Examiner, June 12th 1981“Cork murder hunt”, Evening Echo, June 15th 1981Dick Cross, “Body of murdered woman in wood”, Irish Independent, June 15th 1981“No new leads in murder case”, Irish Examiner, June 16th 1981“Murder hunt continues”, Irish Examiner, June 17th 1981“No clues in murder hunt”, Evening Echo, June 18th 1981“Gardai believe killer is known”, Evening Echo, June 19th 1981Denis Reading, “Gardai warn killer could strike again”, Irish Examiner, June 20th 1981For a full list of sources, please see mensreapod.com

In the middle of the night on the 13th May, 2000, a flat in Ballymun was set alight. Inside, the body of Derek Benson was found. But his cause of death had nothing to do with the inferno in his bedroom. He had been brutally killed with a blade. The garda investigation into his murder would not only identify his killers, but a litany of abuse and violence that would continue long after the trial had concluded.This episode was researched and written by Aileen Spearin.********Find us on Facebook or Twitter!With thanks to our supporters on Patreon! Donate today to get access to bonus and ad-free episodes!Check out the Mens Rea Merch Store!*********Theme Music:Quinn’s Song: The Dance Begins Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/Additional Music:   Allemande (Sting) by Wahneta Meixsell. Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/*********Sources:“Revenge”, book by Ken FoxeBarbara Clinton, “Gardai appeal for public help in murder probe”, Irish Examiner, May 15th 2000“Ballymun killing a gangland message”, Evening Herald, May 15th 2000Bernie O’Toole, “Copycat flat death man had horrific injuries”, Irish Independent, May 15th 2000Caroline O’Doherty, “Plea for help in hunt for savage killer”, Irish Examiner, May 16th 2000Caroline O’Doherty, “Witness to killing sought by gardai”, Irish Examiner, May 17th 2000“Drugged, tortured and killed for £300”, Evening Herald, May 19th 2000Caroline O’Doherty, “Man charged with murder of stabbed father”, Irish Examiner, May 19th 2000Tom Brady, “Man charged after frenzied knife murder”, Irish Independent, May 19th 2000“Woman brought in for questioning”, Irish Examiner, May 23rd 2000Tim Healy, “Woman charged with flat murder”, Evening Herald, May 23rd 2000Liz Walsh, “Hired sword death horror”, Jan 13th 2004For a full list of sources, please see mensreapod.com

Kitty Carroll was killed by Michael Murphy in Drogheda in 1983 - he would go on to kill again. This episode was originally posted to Patreon as a bonus episode in March 2022. Hang in there while I continue to try to get back on track with my work schedule.************Find us on Facebook or Twitter!With thanks to our supporters on Patreon! Donate today to get access to bonus and ad-free episodes!Check out the Mens Rea Merch Store! ***********Music:Kevin McLeod, Quinns Song : The Dance Begins. (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0************Sources:“Woman is strangled by mugger” in The Evening Press (21 October 1983) p. 7.“Remanded on death charge” in The Evening Herald (28 October 1983) p. 17.“Murder case man remanded” in The Irish Press (29 October 1983) p. 6.“Murder charge remand” in The Drogheda Independent (4 November 1983) p. 5.“Murder charge man remanded” in The Irish Independent (19 November 1983) p. 7.“Remanded on murder charge” in The Drogheda Independent (27 January 1984) p. 3.“Murder charge concern” in The Drogheda Independent (17 February 1984) p. 5. For a full list of sources please see mensreapod.com

In March of 2011, 19 year old David Byrne set out to meet someone near to his home in Drimnagh, Dublin City. Little did he know that he was walking into a trap. A panicked chase was caught on CCTV, but the final attack occurred in a dark corner out of sight of any cameras. Could his killer be identified from the footage?This episode was researched and written by Aileen Spearin.********Find us on Facebook or Twitter!With thanks to our supporters on Patreon! Donate today to get access to bonus and ad-free episodes!Check out the Mens Rea Merch Store!*********Theme Music:Quinn’s Song: The Dance Begins Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/Additional Music:   Allemande (Sting) by Wahneta Meixsell. Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/*********Sources:DPP vs Marcus Kirwan appeal doc, available on VlexIreland Young and Dumb Episode 3, TV3 documentary, available on YouTubeTom Brady and Patricia McDonagh, “Teen chased down and stabbed to death by gang”, Irish Independent, March 21st 2011Ann Murphy, “Manhunt for gang after Dublin teen is murdered”, Evening Echo, March 21st 2011Tom Brady and Shane Hickey, “Murdered teen’s stabbing death is not linked to gangland feud”, Irish Independent, March 22nd 2011Cormac Murphy, “Gardai prepare to arrest four teen knife killers”, Evening Herald, March 22nd 2011Tom Brady, “Teens aged 13 held over fatal stabbing of young man”, Irish Independent, March 23rd 2011Clodagh Sheehy, “Two 13 year olds held over fatal knife attack”, Evening Herald, March 23rd 2011Cormac O’Keefe, “Seven teenagers held in murder hunt”, Irish Examiner, March 23rd 2011Tom Brady, “Young man was murdered over €2000 owed to drug dealers”, Irish Independent, March 24th 2011For a full list of sources, please see mensreapod.com

In August 2000, 21 year old Julie Tennant went missing from her home in Ballymena. Her parents searched desperately for her, while RUC officers began a search for her. They eventually identified a man she had last been seen with - but when he heard police were searching his home he went on the run.This episode was researched and written by Aileen Spearin.********Find us on Facebook or Twitter!With thanks to our supporters on Patreon! Donate today to get access to bonus and ad-free episodes!Check out the Mens Rea Merch Store!*********Theme Music:Quinn’s Song: The Dance Begins Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/Additional Music:   Allemande (Sting) by Wahneta Meixsell. Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/*********Sources: “RUC renews missing plea”, Belfast Newsletter, Aug 12th 2000Maureen Coleman, “Parents in appeal for missing daughter”, Belfast Telegraph, Aug 15th 2000Martin Breen “RUC seal house in hunt for lost Julie”, Belfast Telegraph, Aug 22nd 2000Martin Breen, “Search for Julie, man is arrested”, Belfast Telegraph, Aug 24th 2000“Missing Julie man quizzed”, Belfast Newsletter, Aug 24th 2000Ciaran McGuigan “Agony for Julie family as body discovered”, Belfast Telegraph, Aug 25th 2000For a full list of sources, please visit www.mensreapod.com

One of television's most popular true-crime series is now adapted for your ears with the “48 Hours” podcast. Every week, award-winning CBS News correspondents investigate the most intriguing crime and justice cases. Here’s a preview of a new “48 Hours” episode, “The Night ofthe Idaho Student Murders”. "48 Hours" correspondent Peter Van Sant sits down with family members of Kaylee Goncalves and Xana Kernodle, two of the four University of Idaho students shockingly murdered the night of November 13, 2022. You can hear the rest of this episode on the “48 Hours” podcast from CBS News. For even more “48 Hours”, listen to the new “Post Mortem” series every Tuesday, where the correspondents and producers share their first hand experiences reporting on the compelling cases they cover.Listen to 48 Hours ad-free right now by joining Wondery Plus in the Wondery App or on Apple Podcasts: Wondery.fm/48_MR

Just after 10am, on Wednesday the 29th July 2008, shots rang out on a busy residential road in Kilrush, Co Clare. Two men who lived on the street, Leslie Kenny and Brendan O'Sullivan, had exchanged words, and by the end of that interaction, one of them was lying dead in a front garden.This episode was researched and written by Aileen Spearin.********Find us on Facebook or Twitter!With thanks to our supporters on Patreon! Donate today to get access to bonus and ad-free episodes!Check out the Mens Rea Merch Store!*********Theme Music:Quinn’s Song: The Dance Begins Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/Additional Music:   Allemande (Sting) by Wahneta Meixsell. Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/*********Sources:DPP V Brendan O’Sullivan appeal document“20 months in jail for heroin addict”, Irish Independent, Oct 4th 2003Gordon Deegan, “Widespread heroin use may increase in Clare”, Clare Champion, Oct 10th 2003Gordon Deegan, “Man faces charge over threatening behaviour in court case”, Irish Independent, Sep 29th 2005Gordon Deegan, “Man charged after disturbance forced judge to suspend court”, Irish Examiner, Sep 29th 2005For a full list of sources, please see mensreapod.com

If you have any information on the whereabouts of John Griffin, you can contact Gort Garda Station on (091) 636400, the Garda Confidential line at 1800 666 111 or your local law enforcement agency.In 2005, a caravan caught fire in rural north Clare, Emer O'Loughlin's family were initially relieved to see that it wasn't the one she shared with her partner Shane. But when human remains were found inside the charred wreckage, and there was still no sign of the artistic Emer, hope that everything would be ok was quickly dashed.In the years that followed, so would hope that Emer's killer might be brought to justice.This episode was researched and written by Aileen Spearin.********Find us on Facebook or Twitter!With thanks to our supporters on Patreon! Donate today to get access to bonus and ad-free episodes!Check out the Mens Rea Merch Store!*********Theme Music:Quinn’s Song: The Dance Begins Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/Additional Music:   Allemande (Sting) by Wahneta Meixsell. Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/*********Sources:Cracking Crime Emer O’Loughlin, RTE, available on YouTubeMarú Inár Measc Season 2 Ep 2, TG4, available on TG4 PlayerJohn Fallon, “Gardai seek to identify woman killed in caravan fire”, Irish Examiner, Apr 11th 2005Joe O Muircheartaigh, “Gardai’s open mind over fire”, Clare Champion, Apr 15th 2005Stephen Glennon, “Appeal for witnesses in bid to solve mystery of body in burned caravan”, Connacht Tribune, Apr 15th 2005Gordon Deegan, “Suspicion over death of woman in caravan blaze”, Irish Independent, Apr 16th 2005Pat Flynn, “Probe after DNA helps identify woman in caravan inferno”, Sunday Independent, Apr 17th 2005Pat Flynn, “Bizzare link probe to art student’s death in blaze”, Irish Independent, Apr 18th 2005 For a full list of sources, please see mensreapod.com

28 year old mother of one Norma Crotty appeared on her neighbours doorstep early on the morning of January 3rd, 1995. She was in a distressed state, and was holding a shotgun. It was smoking.Norma told her neighbour that she had just shot her husband.This episode was researched and written by Aileen Spearin.********Find us on Facebook or Twitter!With thanks to our supporters on Patreon! Donate today to get access to bonus and ad-free episodes!Check out the Mens Rea Merch Store!*********Theme Music:Quinn’s Song: The Dance Begins Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/Additional Music:   Allemande (Sting) by Wahneta Meixsell. Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/*********Sources:John Murphy, “Middleton man died from shot in the back”, Irish Examiner, Jan 4th 1995.John Murphy, “Gardai release woman”, Evening Echo, Jan 4th 1995.“Help sought in Midleton murder probe”, Evening Echo, Jan 5th 1995.“Shot man removed”, Irish Examiner, Jan 6th 1995.“Military funeral for shot soldier”, Irish Press, Jan 7th 1995.“Sad silence over graveyard as shot soldier is laid to rest”, Irish Examiner, Jan 7th 1995.John Murphy, “Definite line of inquiry in death of Midleton man”, Irish Examiner, Jan 9th 1995.Ralph Riegel, “Murder charge expected”, Irish Examiner, Oct 9th 1995.For a full list of sources, please see mensreapod.com

In September of 2019, Paul Jones was found dead in the hallway of his home on Bandon Road, in Cork. The 54 year old had a chequered past, but for the last decade had lived a quiet and pious life, bothering no one. Despite this, he had suffered 25 stab wounds to his side and had been hit in the head with a long, machete-like blade. Though he had no known quarrels with anyone, there was someone in Paul Jones' life who had a reason to do him harm. This episode was researched and written by Aileen Spearin. ******** Find us on Facebook or Twitter! With thanks to our supporters on Patreon! Donate today to get access to bonus and ad-free episodes! Check out the Mens Rea Merch Store! ********* Theme Music: Quinn’s Song: The Dance Begins Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/ Additional Music: Allemande (Sting) by Wahneta Meixsell. Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/ ********* Sources: Kevin O Neill and Noel Baker, “Murder probe after body is found”, Irish Examiner, Sept 9th 2019 William Dunne, “Tributes paid to dad found dead in Cork city as gardai launch murder investigation”, Irish Mirror, Sept 9th 2019 Ann Murphy, “Murdered man had criminal convictions but had found God”, Evening Echo, Sept 10th 2019 “Gardai search credit union CCTV in bid to trace killer”, Evening Echo, Sept 10th 2019 Olivia Kelleher, “Two held after man’s murder in Cork”, Irish Examiner, Sept 11th 2019 Liam Heylin, “Murder victim’s sister arrested for burglary”, Irish Examiner, Sept 13th 2019 for a full list of sources, please see mensreapod.com

In the early hours of 29th April, 2000, a fire was discovered in an upmarket flat in the seaside resort of Scheveningen, The Hague. Three occupants were found dead in the bathtub - young Irishmen Damien Monahan and Vincent and Morgan Costello. Was the fire an accident, some sort of gangland hit, or something else altogether? This episode was researched and written by Aileen Spearin. ******** Find us on Facebook or Twitter! With thanks to our supporters on Patreon! Donate today to get access to bonus and ad-free episodes! Check out the Mens Rea Merch Store! ********* Theme Music: Quinn’s Song: The Dance Begins Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/ Additional Music: Allemande (Sting) by Wahneta Meixsell. Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/ ********* Isabel Conway, “Hunt for Dutch killers who set Irishman on fire”, Irish Independent, May 3rd 2000 Dan Collins and Isabel Conway, Clareman burned, brutally tortured in drugs war, Irish Examiner, May 3rd 2000 Dan Collins, “Drugs gang tortured, executed Irish trio”, Irish Examiner, May 4th 2000 Frank Khan, “Drugs slaughter, five Irish deaths feared by Interpol”, Irish Independent, May 4th 2000 Gordon Deegan, “Agonising wait for family to have worst confirmed”, Irish Examiner, May 5th 2000 Barry Roche, “Irishman shocked at being linked to murders”, Irish Examiner, May 5th 2000 Cian McCormack, “Information on Bansha brothers sent to Holland to help identify bodies”, Irish Examiner, May 5th 2000 Conor Keane, “Revenge possible motive behind brutal murders”, Irish Examiner, May 5th 2000 Martina Devlin, “Sun sea sand and quietly selling drugs for a living”, Irish Independent, May 6th 2000 Conor Sweeney, “Murdered men had only small drugs plant”, Irish Independent, May 6th 2000 Isabel Conway, “Blood death and butchery in a gangland tale of two cities”, Sunday Independent, May 7th 2000 For a full list of sources, please see mensreapod.com

In the early hours of 29th November, 2002, 34 year old father of two arrived home from working his shift as the security manager at a popular nightclub in Limerick City. He was shot to death in his driveway in a suspected gangland killing. Would gardai be able to find enough evidence to bring members of one of Limerick's most notorious gangs before a court? This episode was researched and written by Aileen Spearin. ******** Find us on Facebook or Twitter! With thanks to our supporters on Patreon! Donate today to get access to bonus and ad-free episodes! Check out the Mens Rea Merch Store! ********* Theme Music: Quinn’s Song: The Dance Begins Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/ Additional Music: Allemande (Sting) by Wahneta Meixsell. Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/ ********* Sources: Barry Duggan, “Mean Streets”, O’Brien Press. Stephen Hayes, “Dad shot down at family home”, Evening Herald, Nov 29th 2002. “Anti-drugs nightclub bouncer shot dead outside his home”, Irish Independent, Nov 30th 2002. John Lawrence, “Murdered nightclub bouncer intimidated by drugs gang”, Evening Herald, Dec 2nd 2002. Mairead Ni Chaoimh, “Murder suspect may have fled”, LimericK Leader, Dec 2nd 2002. Cormac O’Keefe, “Murder frightens club staff”, Irish Examiner, Dec 4th 2002. Eugene Hogan, “Bid to clean up violence on streets”, Evening Herald, Dec 20th 2002. Eugene Hogan, “Divers find gun probably used to murder club bouncer”, Irish Independent, Dec 23rd 2002. “Death probe four released”, Irish Independent, Oct 25th 2003. Eugene Hogan, “No trial in hero bouncer murder”, Evening Herald, Jul 23rd 2004. Eugene Hogan, “Killers of club bouncer may never be tried”, Irish Independent, Jul 23rd 2004. for a full list of sources, please see mensreapod.com