Louise and Mark O’Connor and their son Evan were discovered by a carer who called to the family home this morning
The suspect (31), who was known to the victims, was later arrested by armed detectives
It is understood a care worker, who regularly calls to the family home in the Drumgowna area, near Tallanstown, made the grim discovery this morning and raised the alarm.
The carer rang 999 after she found Mark O’Connor’s body at the front gates of the property. His son, Evan, was later found lying on the ground at the side of the house and Ms O’Connor was found in an upstairs room.
The suspect (31), who was known to the victims, was later arrested by armed detectives. He is currently detained at a station in the garda north west region and can be held for up to 24 hours.
Mark and Louise, who were in their 50s, had recently celebrated their 33rd wedding anniversary. Their son Evan, who was in his 20s, lived with them in the family home and had autism.
The Armed Response Unit was one of several garda units which attended the scene this morning.
Justice Minister Jim O’Callaghan said there was no further threat to the public following the “criminal act”.
Louise and Mark O’Connor with their son Evan
Today’s News in 90 Seconds – September 29th
Gardaí say they are not seeking anyone else in connection with the investigation.
In a statement, gardaí said: “The Offices of the Coroner and the State Pathologist have been notified.
“A male, aged in his 30s, has been arrested and is currently detained at a station in the Garda North West Region under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act, 1984.
“Investigations are ongoing.”
Minister O’Callaghan said: “I have information, An Garda Síochána have passed on information that I have received to the office.
“I am conscious that it is a developing story and it is a sensitive issue but there is no further information I can put into the public domain at present. “I think further information will become available in due course.”
He added: “What I can say and what gardaí have said is that they are not looking for anyone else in respect of this criminal act.
“There is no ongoing threat to the public in Co Louth.”
Locals have described the news as “shocking” and “horrific.”
In Tallanstown, shoppers in the local Spar said they were only hearing the news “in dribs and drabs.”
One woman said: “It’s just horrific, you never expect to hear this on your own doorstep.”
Dundalk TD Ruairí Ó Murchú has expressed his shock at the news of the deaths.
The Sinn Féin deputy said that the whole community is “utterly shocked” by the news that three members of the same family were violently killed.
Scene of the incident in Co Louth (Photo: Ken Finegan)
Deputy Ó Murchú said: “My first thoughts, and those of everyone else, are with the loved ones of this family who have been violently killed in their home. This is a truly shocking and appalling incident which has absolutely stunned the whole community all over Co. Louth.
“The fact that three members of one family seem to have died in dreadful and violent circumstances on a Monday morning in a quiet and rural area of Mid Louth is appalling.
Scene of the incident in Co Louth (Photo: Ken Finegan)
“I would appeal for anyone with information to go the Gardaí immediately and ask that people do not speculate on this incident online or on social media.”
Scene of the incident in Co Louth (Photo: Ken Finegan)
Local Fianna Fáil councillor John Sheridan has described the incident as “truly shocking.”
“It’s very sad. The community in that area is a nice, peaceful community with great spirit. I know the area very well. It’s very sad for this news to be emerging.
“Obviously my thoughts are with all of those who are impacted by it, and with the emergency services and first responders, and of course with the family involved.
“It’s a very tough time for the area. It’s a very peaceful, calm place and you don’t expect these things to happen locally. It’s an area of great community spirit and it’s truly, truly shocking,” he added.
Sinn Féin Louth councillor Pearse McGeough said on social media that there was “sad news coming out of Tallanstown this morning”.
He added: “I would ask people not to speculate until we know the facts.
“Our thoughts are with the friends, family and the community.”
Helplines: If you have been affected by any of the issues raised in this article, click here for more information
