Man expected to appear in court in relation to deaths of Louth couple and son

Mark O’Connor, 54, Louise O’Connor, 56, and their son Evan O’Connor, 27. Picture: Garda Press Office

Gardaí are expected to bring a man before the courts on Tuesday evening in relation to the killing of a couple and their son at their rural Co Louth home on Monday morning.

Senior officers have been in contact with the Director of Public Prosecutions on foot of statements made by the suspect during questioning, and as the results of the autopsies have begun to come in.

Investigators are understood to be satisfied with the level of evidence they have gathered. The suspect, aged in his 30s, is thought to have been forthcoming with gardaí during the interviews.

Not all the autopsies may be completed before the suspect’s detention ends, but gardaí believe they will have enough for a charge.

The suspect was found by gardaí wandering the roads not far from the O’Connor family home in the Drumgowna area, near Tallanstown, on Monday morning.

Gardaí and emergency services discovered the bodies of husband and wife Mark and Louise O’Connor and their youngest son Evan at the remote cottage shortly before 10am.

It is understood the body of Ms O’Connor, aged 56, was found inside the house, while those of Mr O’Connor, aged 54, and Evan, aged 27, were found just outside the property.

They are believed to have died violently, with multiple wounds from bladed instruments. A number of potential weapons were removed from the property on Monday.

Evan had autism and, along with his parents, was well known and liked in the area — and in Drogheda — where he attended day services and previously attended school.

As reported in the Irish Examiner, it is understood that the suspect has a diagnosis for a serious psychiatric illness and was on prescribed medication.

Gardaí have been trying to establish if the man has been taking his medication over recent days and weeks, whether or not he has been consuming any other substances, and trying to assess if this might have played a role in the killings.

It is thought a staff member of local services was conducting a routine call to the house when they saw the bodies of Mr O’Connor and Evan at the side of the property.

'Deepest sadness'

Drogheda ABACAS Special School on Monday posted a statement on Facebook in which they expressed their “deepest sadness” at the deaths.

“Mark and Louise were founder parents of the Drogheda ABACAS Special School and Evan one of the first two children to attend ABACAS on day one. Both Mark and Louise were passionate advocates for their son Evan and for all autistic people.” 

It said Mr O'Connor was a board member of Autism Support Louth & Meath and was “a professional advocate” for the rights of people with disabilities in his career.

“Both Mark and Louise were instrumental in the setting up of Drogheda ABACAS and many, many families owe them a debt of gratitude,” the statement said.  

“They campaigned, lobbied and fundraised for the school and youth clubs and will always be remembered for their legacy to ABACAS and to autistic people. 

"Evan attended ABACAS for 14 years. He grew up with us. There are so many moments to remember, so many stories from school and club we will tell each other, especially over the next few weeks.

“Mark, Louise and Evan will always remain part of the ABACAS family. May they rest in Peace. Our sincere condolences and deepest sympathies to all family and friends.”