Wednesday 28 October 2026Compiled from published reports. Every claim links to its source.

Ireland Crime

Every case followed from the first report to the sentence, or to where the reporting stopped.

Case No. 3194Murder · Co. Dublin · 23 Feb 2023

Brandon Gavin murder trial: Phone searched 'prison sentence for murder in Ireland' before fatal stabbing

Brandon Gavin, 22, is on trial at the Central Criminal Court for the murder of Marius Mamaliga, 19, at Forest Court, Swords, on 23 February 2023. The jury heard that Gavin's phone was used to search for 'prison sentence for murder in Ireland' 24 hours before the stabbing, and that text messages showed Mamaliga demanding money for drugs in the days before the fatal incident.

  1. Reportednot reported
  2. Arrestednot reported
  3. Chargednot reported
  4. In court8 Nov
  5. Verdict
  6. Sentenced
reportedhappened, not reportedlatest stagenot yet

Key facts

consolidated from all reports
10 statements extracted from the articles
  • whatBrandon Gavin pleaded not guilty to the murder of Marius Mamaliga at Forest Court, Swords, on the evening of 23 February 2023. (irishtimes.com)
  • whatGavin's phone was used on the dating app Tinder 20 minutes before the stabbing. (irishtimes.com)
  • whatText messages showed Mamaliga demanded money for drugs from Gavin in the days before the stabbing. (irishtimes.com)
  • whatGavin got into the back seat of a car behind Mamaliga and stabbed him in the neck. (irishtimes.com)
  • whatIn garda interviews, Gavin said he stabbed Mamaliga in self-defence because he was in fear for his life as he owed money for drugs. (irishtimes.com)
  • whatCCTV footage showed the interaction between Gavin and Mamaliga shortly after 7.03pm. (irishtimes.com)
  • whatGavin falsely told Mamaliga that drugs were gone because gardaí had raided his house. (irishtimes.com)
  • investigationDet Garda Kevin Farrell gave evidence about data retrieved from Gavin's phone. (irishtimes.com)
  • courtThe trial is before Ms Justice Eileen Creedon and a jury of seven men and five women at the Central Criminal Court. (irishtimes.com)
  • courtThe prosecution intends to close its case on Monday. (irishtimes.com)

The reporting

newest first
  1. 8 Nov2024
    In courtirishtimes.com, follow-up
    Murder accused searched ‘prison sentence for murder in Ireland’ prior to fatal stabbing

    Jury heard phone data evidence including a search for 'prison sentence for murder in Ireland' 24 hours before the stabbing, Tinder activity 20 minutes prior, and text messages showing Mamaliga demanding drug money. Prosecution to close case on Monday before Ms Justice Eileen Creedon.

    victim, Marius Mamaliga, 19, male, non-irish (judged from name)Marius Mamaligaaccused, Brandon Gavin, 22, male, named, irish (judged from name)Brandon Gavin