Man denies murder of 89‑year‑old pensioner in Nenagh

An 89‑year‑old pensioner, Josephine “Josie” Ray, was found dead in her bed at St Joseph’s Park, Nenagh, Co Tipperary, on 4 August 2024, and a 52‑year‑old man, Hasan Ali Gori, has pleaded not guilty to her murder at the Central Criminal Court in Limerick.

The court heard that Ms Ray suffered two broken bones in her neck and almost 50 bruises across her body. State Pathologist Dr Yvonne McCartney reported 44 separate bruises and petechial haemorrhages consistent with asphyxia, concluding the cause of death was strangulation and smothering.

Evidence was presented that Mr Gori, an African native, had been living in Ms Ray’s home and was in a relationship with her daughter, Mary Ray, who has an intellectual disability. Neighbours and family described the relationship between the three as volatile, with frequent arguments.

Gardai were called to the house on the night before Ms Ray’s death to calm tensions. DNA analysis by forensic scientist Dr Stephen Clifford found male DNA on Ms Ray’s right hand and fingernails, statistically far more likely to belong to Mr Gori, though the defence highlighted possible secondary transfer.

The trial is ongoing.

Source: Limerick Post. Photo: Altaf Shah / Pexels.