A MAN has appeared in court charged with the murder of his parents and brother in Co, Louth.
Robert O'Connor, 31, appeared at a special sitting of Drogheda District Court on Tuesday charged with the murder of his father Mark, 54, mother Louise, 56, and his 27-year-old brother Evan.
Their bodies were found at their home at Drumgowna, Tallanstown on Monday morning, while gardaí arrested a man nearby over what they called the 'violent' deaths.
The court was told that Robert O'Connor made no reply when the charges were put to him.
An application for a psychiatric assessment was granted for the accused, who, the court heard, has been accessing mental health services since he was 22.
An application for legal aid was also granted.
Robert O'Connor was remanded into custody to appear at the same court via video link on Monday, October 6.
Vigil
A candlelit vigil is due to be held this evening in memory of the three deceased family members.
Father Gerry Campbell of the Our Lady Queen of Peace Pastoral Area will lead the prayers at the vigil, which will take place at Stonetown Community Walking Track at 9pm.
"We are deeply saddened by the tragic loss of the O'Connor family," Fr Campbell said in a statement online.
A death notice said that Mark O'Connor was well-known for 'passionately working for disability advocacy through his career'.
Louise O'Connor spent many years working as a nurse while also volunteering in the community.
The notice added that Evan O'Connor was 'cherished by all who knew him in the community'.
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