Ruth Lawrence Sentenced to Two Life Terms for Double Murder: Is She Laughing Now

Ruth Lawrence has been sentenced to two life terms for her role in the double murder of Eoin O’Connor and Anthony Keegan. The gruesome crime, which took place over a decade ago, involved shooting both men and disposing of their bodies in a shallow grave on an island in the Midlands.

Details of the Double Murder

Lawrence, along with her boyfriend Neville van der Westhuizen, orchestrated the murders. The couple lured O’Connor, a 32-year-old drug dealer, to their residence before fatally shooting him. The court heard that van der Westhuizen also shot 33-year-old Anthony Keegan during the same incident.

Emotional Victim Statements

During the trial, victim impact statements highlighted the profound anguish experienced by the families. Karen Roche, O’Connor’s partner, described the terror he faced as he witnessed his best friend’s murder. She expressed her devastation at the loss and the fear her partner felt in those final moments.

• Victim: Eoin O’Connor
• Victim: Anthony Keegan
• Key Witness: Karen Roche (partner of O’Connor)
• Key Witness: Margaret Keegan (sister of Anthony Keegan)

Margaret Keegan expressed disbelief over the meticulous planning behind the murders. Her statements illustrated the family’s search for closure, questioning why the bodies were so cruelly treated after death. She recounted Lawrence’s alleged laughter, which compounded the family’s grief and anger.

The Sentencing and Legal Proceedings

The Central Criminal Court sentenced Lawrence to life imprisonment, with the terms backdated to October 4, 2022. Justice Tony Hunt emphasized the lasting trauma inflicted on both families. He condemned the violence and disrespect shown towards the victims.

Lawrence, originally from Clontarf, Dublin, denied all charges. She fled to South Africa post-murder, claiming to fear human trafficking and taking refuge in women’s shelters. In May 2023, she was extradited back to Ireland to face trial.

Involvement of Neville van der Westhuizen

Van der Westhuizen, a South African national, is serving a 15-year prison sentence in Durban for separate charges, including murder. He is expected to be tried in Ireland once he completes his sentence.

During the proceedings, prosecutors described the couple as acting “as a unit” when committing these highly calculated murders. They argued that both were equally responsible for the violent deaths of O’Connor and Keegan.

Summary of Events

Ruth Lawrence’s actions have left an indelible scar on the victims’ families. As the court proceedings concluded, the question lingered: is she laughing now, reflecting on her heinous crimes?