Donegal man sentenced to life for 2025 murder of Eddie Friel

A 59‑year‑old man from Killybegs has been sentenced to life imprisonment after pleading guilty to the murder of Eddie Friel.

James Spendley of St Cummin’s Hill admitted the killing of the Killybegs resident, who was attacked at his home on Harbour View Drive on 12 April 2025. The Central Criminal Court heard that Spendley, who has a history of bipolar affective disorder, acted erratically in the days before the attack.

Witnesses reported seeing Spendley picking up cigarette butts at the pier and drinking with him on the day of the murder. He later visited a Garda station, described as “ranting erratically” and requesting a piece of paper to write a prayer. The following morning a neighbour found Mr Friel dead on his couch, his house blood‑stained and a baseball bat recovered at the scene.

A post‑mortem revealed multiple bruises, lacerations and 35 sharp injuries, including three stab wounds; death was caused by blunt‑force trauma to the head and lower limbs. DNA evidence linked Spendley’s blood‑stained hands to the victim, and CCTV showed him wearing a sweatshirt found at the scene.

During the trial Spendley denied responsibility, suggesting the victim was “responsible for his own death.” He was interviewed five times by Gardai before finally pleading guilty shortly before a scheduled October trial.

Eddie Friel’s family, who described him as a kind‑hearted man of a large family, thanked the people of Killybegs and the Gardaí for their support and called for justice.

Source: Donegal Daily. Photo: Ray Bilcliff / Pexels.