Dunne Family Inquest Verdict Announced

The formal inquest into the deaths of the tragic Dunne family in Co Wexford has found that Ciara Dunne and her two children were unlawfully killed at their home in 2007, while 29-year-old Adrian died by suicide.

The coroner Sean Nixon heard evidence from local gardaí, members of the HSE, a local priest and an undertaker who spoke to the family just days before they died.

The Deputy State Pathologist Michael Curtis also gave evidence which was heard by relatives of both the Dunne and O'Brien families, who attended the hearing.

The family was found death at their home in Co Wexford on Monday, April 23rd, 2007, prompting a major State inquiry into the circumstances surrounding their deaths.

The Coroner Dr Sean Nixon had told the inquest in Enniscorthy that the issue of whether an unlawful death was murder or manslaughter was one for the courts.

However, there would not be a case given that all the family members were deceased.

Deputy State Pathologist Dr Michael Curtis told the inquest that Ms O'Brien was found lying dead on the floor of the living room, dressed in a brown jumper and jeans.

A post mortem found she died as a result of strangulation from a man's neck tie. There was no evidence that she had struggled to free her herself.

She had a black eye and suffered bruising around her scalp, indicating she may have been unconscious before the ligature was tied around her neck.

Both children, five-year-old Leanne and three-year-old Shania, were found lying toe to toe on a couch, covered by a duvet.

They were dressed in their pyjamas and each child held a 'Dora the Explorer' soft doll.

Dr Curtis said both children had died from asphyxia due to smothering, with no obvious evidence of major injuries.

Adrian Dunne was found dead in the house, wearing a Celtic jersey and blue jeans. The cause of death was hanging.

No drugs were detected in the bodies of any of the families, although a low level of alcohol was detected in Mr Dunne's system.

Dr Nixon said it seemed clear that both parents were in agreement over ending their lives and were able to deflect attention away when those who became suspicious about their plans.

He said it was a feature of familicide cases that parents had a deep love for their children and that "bringing them to heaven" would be an escape from their circumstances.

"I think their lives were taken in a misguided belief that life would be better for them somewhere else," he said.

Previously, an inquiry was launched after it emerged the authorities had been aware of a risk to the safety of the children.

The inquiry, which was closed to the public, aimed to establish the circumstances surrounding the deaths, and the dealings of state services with the family and each other.

After the Garda Commissioner Fachtna Murphy received the Monageer Inquiry Report he said: "The circumstances surrounding this tragedy were highly exceptional and posed considerable challenges to the personnel of all the agencies charged with responding to it."

The Commissioner also stated that he accepted the findings of the report and was committed to ensuring the safety and protection of children is a key priority for An Garda Síochána

"The 'Children First' guidelines, which are the national guidelines for the protection and welfare of children, together with the relevant legislation, are being fully applied by An Garda Síochána," the Commissioner added.

See: Commissioner Receives Delayed Report Into Family's Death

(BMcC/JM)