Jury retires to consider verdict in Nenagh murder trial

The jury in the Central Criminal Court, Limerick, has retired to deliberate on the verdict in the murder trial of 89‑year‑old Josephine “Josie” Ray.

Evidence was heard over three weeks, including testimony from state pathologist Dr Yvonne McCartney, who confirmed Ms Ray died from strangulation and smothering, sustaining two broken neck bones and 44 bruises across her body.

Prosecuting counsel Lorcan Connolly highlighted bruises on Ms Ray’s forearms as evidence she fought her attacker, and noted that the accused, Hasan Ali Gori, 52, an African national, left DNA on her right hand and under her fingernails.

Ms Ray was found on 4 August 2024 in her bed at St Joseph’s Park, Nenagh, Co Tipperary, with her arms upright by her face. The prosecution suggested Gori had motive and opportunity, citing potential loss of a roof over his head and social welfare payments linked to Mary Ray, Ms Ray’s intellectually disabled daughter.

Defence senior counsel Aidan Doyle argued an alternative theory, pointing to past conflicts involving Mary Ray and suggesting she could have been responsible, urging the jury to acquit Gori if they found any doubt.

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