Ruth Lawrence Convicted of Murdering Two Men Discovered in Shallow Lake Island Grave
A jury has convicted Ruth Lawrence, a 46-year-old woman from Dublin, of murdering two men, whose remains were discovered in 2014. The bodies of Eoin O’Connor and Anthony Keegan were found bound and buried in a shallow grave on a lake island in the Irish midlands.
Details of the Conviction
The conviction occurred eleven years after the men were reported missing. Lawrence was the only individual to stand trial for these murders. The Central Criminal Court jury delivered a majority verdict of 11-1, affirming the prosecution’s assertion that Lawrence and her boyfriend, Neville van der Westhuizen, conspired to kill O’Connor.
Background of the Case
- Victims: Eoin O’Connor (32) and Anthony Keegan (33)
- Location of Bodies: Lough Sheelin
- Key Evidence: Testimony from a key witness and corroborating pathology evidence
- Motive: Van der Westhuizen owed O’Connor approximately €70,000 for drug transactions
Lawrence’s involvement in the murder of Keegan was established by a majority verdict of 10-2. The jury concluded that she and van der Westhuizen acted in concert during both killings.
Events Leading to the Discovery
On the eve of the men’s disappearance, Lawrence inquired about taking a boat out on Lough Sheelin. This raised suspicions regarding her knowledge of the events that followed. Notably, Lawrence did not testify during the trial and avoided questioning by gardaí. Following the murders, she fled to South Africa, where she expressed fears of becoming a victim of human trafficking and sought refuge in women’s shelters.
Current Status of Co-accused
Neville van der Westhuizen is currently serving a 15-year sentence in Durban, South Africa, for unrelated charges, including murder and attempted murder. An application to extradite him to Ireland for trial is planned after he completes his sentence.
Legal Proceedings
Lawrence, originally from Clontarf in Dublin, but currently residing at Patricks Cottage in Co Meath, pleaded not guilty to the murders. The jury had three potential verdicts for each charge: guilty of murder, not guilty of murder but guilty of assisting an offender, or simply not guilty. The trial judge characterized the not guilty verdict as “theoretical.”
The case has garnered significant attention due to its violent nature and the lengthy interval before closure. A further update on the situation is anticipated as developments unfold.
