Louth murders: Desperate dad and son tried to flee as killer wipes out family

A father and son killed in a suspected triple murder reportedly tried to flee the scene in search of help before they died.

Mark and Louise O’Connor, and their son Evan, were fatally injured in the brutal attack at their home in Tallanstown, Co Louth, on Monday morning. A care worker is said to have made the grim discovery just before 10am to collect Evan, 27, who had additional needs, to bring him to his day centre. It is understood that Mark and Evan attempted to flee the scene in search of help when the killer struck. Both Mark, 54, and Evan’s bodies were discovered on the driveway of the property, while the body of Louise, 56, was found inside the home in the kitchen, the Irish Mirror^[1] reports.

Gradai – Irish Police – confirmed a man in his 30s was arrested and taken into custody and today said the three victims suffered “violent deaths”. It comes as the man suspected of killing the trio reportedly emerged from the home after the attack with his hands covered in blood, before telling a neighbour: “I’m sorry for all the screaming and shouting. It’s over now,” the Irish Independent reports.

Just days before the tragedy, Mark and Louise celebrated their 33rd anniversary, posting doting messages online. On September 12, the dad shared an image of the couple on their wedding day in 1992, writing: “There I am with Louise Doherty O’Connor 33 years ago today. Still very much in love,” alongside a lovestruck and heart emoji.

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