Grandmother died defending herself as killer strangled her, jury told

Josie Ray, an 89‑year‑old resident of St Joseph’s Park, Nenagh, died while trying to fend off her attacker, the Central Criminal Court heard on Tuesday.

The court was told Ray suffered two broken neck bones and 44 bruises covering her head, neck, face, shoulders, chest, arms and legs after the accused, 52‑year‑old Hasan Ali Gori, began strangling her in her bed.

Senior counsel Lorcan Connolly, closing the prosecution’s case, said the “only appropriate verdict is guilty”. He outlined that Ray’s daughter, Mary, who has an intellectual disability, lived with her mother and that Ray opposed Mary’s relationship with Gori, who was staying in emergency hostel accommodation before moving into their home.

Connolly described a “sea‑change” in the household after Gori’s arrival, noting frequent arguments that prompted neighbours to alert the gardai. Witnesses said they saw Ray wave a stick at Gori, strike him with a poker and use a racial slur, which heightened tensions.

Evidence presented included DNA from Gori found on Ray’s right hand and under her fingernails, and testimony that Gori had threatened to stay “over my dead body” when asked to leave. The prosecution argued Gori had motive and opportunity, citing his illegal tenancy and the additional €154 weekly disability allowance he received through Mary.

The defence has denied the murder charge, and the jury, composed of nine men and three women, will now consider the evidence.

Source: Limerick Post. Photo: SHOX ART / Pexels.