DNA evidence insufficient, Dublin murder trial told
The trial of two Dublin men accused of murdering a 65-year-old grandmother heard that quantities of DNA taken from a bag which contained the shotgun that killed the victim were insufficient to determine DNA profiles, at the Central Criminal Court today.
Conor Grogan (aged 26), of Avonbeg Park, Tallaght, Dublin, and Timothy Rattigan (aged 26) of St Dominick’s Terrace, Tallaght, Dublin, have pleaded not guilty to the murder of Ms Joan Casey (aged 64) at Avonbeg Park on April 3, 2004.
Mr Michael Burlington of the Forensic Science Laboratory was given a number of items by gardaí for DNA analysis.
DNA extracted from a sample of a latex glove found in Mrs Casey’s neighbour’s driveway did not match the DNA profiles of either accused or of the three other suspects, whose DNA profiles were also compared to the items.
The court has heard that a blue hold-all bag was found in the bushes close to the victim’s home. The bag contained a shotgun, which was in three pieces, used and live cartridges and a starting pistol.
The DNA samples taken in swabs from the contents of the bag were not adequate for proper DNA examination, the court heard.
"The quantity of DNA obtained from swabs taken from the gloves, the firearms and cartridges were insufficient to determine DNA profiles," Mr Burlington said.
The shoelaces of a pair of Nike runners, which were also analysed, contained DNA from a mixture of two people, one of whom is "likely" to be the accused, Grogan.
The trial continues on Monday before Mr Justice Paul Carney and a jury of six men and six women.
