Ruth Lawrence Convicted of Double Murder in Meath
A significant verdict was reached in County Meath, where Ruth Lawrence was found guilty of the double murder of two men. The 46-year-old woman was convicted for the killings of Eoin O’Connor, 32, and Anthony Keegan, 33, on November 6, after a jury deliberation lasting nearly 14 hours.
Background of the Case
The two victims were discovered shot dead on Inchicup Island in Lough Sheelin. Their bodies were located five weeks after they went missing. This tragic incident unfolded in April 2014, when both men were reported missing.
Details of the Murders
Evidence presented during the trial suggested that Eoin O’Connor, a drug dealer from Dublin, was shot in the stomach and subsequently in the head. The prosecution stated that Neville van der Westhuizen, Lawrence’s boyfriend, was responsible for the fatal shot. They posited that O’Connor may have struggled with van der Westhuizen before the lethal shot was fired.
Anthony Keegan, who was with O’Connor, suffered multiple gunshot wounds to the neck and head. The prosecution revealed that both men were attacked in a field close to St Patrick’s Cottage, near the shoreline, approximately 100 meters from the island where their bodies were ultimately found.
Key Participants in the Case
- Ruth Lawrence
- Eoin O’Connor
: 32-year-old drug dealer from Dublin.
- Anthony Keegan
- Neville van der Westhuizen
: 33-year-old victim, accompanied O’Connor on the day of the attack.
: Lawrence’s South African boyfriend and key co-defendant in the case.
Judicial Proceedings
The jury ultimately returned a majority verdict, and Lawrence now faces a mandatory life sentence. Sentencing is scheduled for December 8, 2023. Family members of the victims were present in the courtroom and expressed their grief as the verdict was announced.
Aftermath and Extradition
After the murders, Lawrence and van der Westhuizen fled Ireland for South Africa. Lawrence was extradited back to Ireland in May 2023. An arrest warrant remains for van der Westhuizen, who is currently serving a 15-year sentence in South Africa for other serious crimes. Extradition proceedings for him to face charges in Ireland will be reviewed upon his release.
The implications of this case highlight the serious issues of drug-related violence and the judicial system’s approach to handling such crimes.
