A verdict of unlawful killing has been returned into the deaths of a mother and son who died in North Kerry almost two years ago.
The bodies of 56-year-old Eileen O'Sullivan and her 24-year-old son Jamie O’Sullivan were discovered at their home in Kilfeighney, Lixnaw on September 7th, 2021.
The body of 63-year-old Mossie O’Sullivan, Eileen’s partner and Jamie’s father, was also discovered near the property.
The inquest into their deaths was heard in Listowel courthouse today.
Coroner Helen Lucey returned a verdict of unlawful killing for Eileen and Jamie O’Sullivan, while a verdict of suicide was recorded for Mossie O’Sullivan.
The inquest heard from seventeen witnesses consisting of neighbours who were first on the scene and responding Gardaí, while assistant state pathologist Dr Margot Bolster also gave evidence.
A statement from Kathleen Harrington, a neighbour and friend of the family, was read into the inquest by Inspector Tim O’Keeffe. Ms Harrington stated she went to the house after she phone Eileen O’Sullivan but got no response.
The front door was open when she got there and she walked around the back of the house first. Ms Harrington then returned to the front of the house and looked in a bedroom window, where she saw Eileen.
She went into the house and discovered both Eileen and Jamie’s bodies in separate bedrooms.
Ms Harrington left the house and called another neighbour and friend John O’Mahony for help; he also attended the scene and then phoned Gardaí when he saw both lifeless bodies.
Gardaí attended the scene and the inquest heard Mossie O’Sullivan had a legally held firearm.
Garda Sean Behan knew the family and knew where the gun safe was; he discovered it was empty and Mossie O’Sullivan was missing; a search began and the 63-year-old’s body was later discovered outside the premises.
Coroner Helen Lucey recorded a death of unlawful killing in the case of Eileen O’Sullivan, stating she died from a gunshot wound to the chest, while a verdict of unlawful killing was also recorded for Jamie O’Sullivan who died of a gunshot wound to the neck.
A verdict of suicide was recorded for Maurice O Sullivan, who died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Coroner Helen Lucey stated it was a terrible tragedy for the families, neighbours and community, with an entire family wiped out; she extended her sympathies to the families. Ms Lucey also praised Gardaí for their investigation, stating they put their lives at risk when searching for Mossie O’Sullivan.
Inspector Tim O’Keeffe also extended his sympathies to the families.
If you’re affected by this story you can contact:
- yourmentalhealth.ie which is also available on 1800 111 888
- Pieta House: 1800 247 247
- The Samaritans: 116 123 or text ‘help’ to 087 2609090
- Childline: 1800 666 666, or text ‘talk’ to 50101
- Text ‘hello’ to 50808
The family of Eileen and Jamie O'Sullivan made a statement after the inquest through their solicitor, and are confident laws will be changed to help prevent future familicides.
