Ruth Lawrence Convicted for the Murder of Two Men Discovered in Shallow Grave on Lake Island

Ruth Lawrence has been convicted for her role in the murders of two men, Eoin O’Connor and Anthony Keegan. The case revolved around a disturbing double-cross linked to a €70,000 drug debt. O’Connor, aged 32, was pressured to collect this debt when he was lured to his death. Keegan, 33, accompanied him from Dublin and became a victim as well, shot in the neck and behind the ear.

Details of the Case

The men’s remains were discovered a month later on May 26, 2014, on Inchicup Island, Lough Sheelin. This location is near Patrick’s Cottage, where Lawrence lived at the time. She denied the murder charges despite a drug-related confession made shortly after O’Connor and Keegan’s disappearance on April 22, 2014.

Background and Escape

Lawrence, a 45-year-old tattoo artist from Dublin, fled to South Africa with her boyfriend Neville van der Westhuizen after the killings. Extradited to Ireland in 2023, her partner remains in South Africa, serving a 15-year sentence for the murder of a teenager.

Trial Highlights

During the trial, witnesses included Jason Symes, a small-time drug dealer, and his daughter Stacey. Their testimony claimed Lawrence shot O’Connor before van der Westhuizen finished him off. The jury learned that a burglary plot involving a man known only as “Mr CD” precipitated the violence, wherein drugs were to be stolen from O’Connor’s stash.

Details Leading Up to the Murders

• Good Friday, April 18: Lawrence, Neville, and the Symes arranged a meeting in Dublin.
• Easter Monday, April 22: O’Connor visited the Symes looking for Neville and money.
• Communication with O’Connor’s family ended around 8:30 PM on April 22.

Immediately after losing contact, O’Connor’s family expressed concern for his safety. A month later, the discovery of the bodies highlighted the grim reality of the situation. They were found badly decomposed, covered with branches and plastic.

Investigation and Defense

The investigation was intense, involving gardaí interviewing both Lawrence and van der Westhuizen. Evidence collected included phone records that supported the testimonies from the Symes. Lawrence’s defense argued that she was not present during the events and challenged the credibility of the Symes, stating they had manipulated their accounts in exchange for protection.

Conclusion

The tragic story of Ruth Lawrence, Eoin O’Connor, and Anthony Keegan underscores the dangerous intersections of drug debts and betrayal in criminal circles. Lawrence’s conviction highlights the legal consequences tied to such violent acts in Ireland.