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. 2355Murder · Co. Meath · 12 Aug 2022

Daniel Blanaru on trial for murder of Romanian partner Larisa Serban in Rathmore, Co Meath

Daniel Blanaru, 37, of Rathmore, Athboy, Co Meath, is on trial at the Central Criminal Court for the murder of his partner Larisa Serban, 26, who was stabbed to death at their home in Rathmore on or about 12 August 2022. The prosecution alleges the relationship was turbulent and that Blanaru stabbed Serban with intent to kill or cause serious injury.

  1. Reportednot reported
  2. Arrestednot reported
  3. Chargednot reported
  4. In court11 Feb
  5. Verdict
  6. Sentenced
reportedhappened, not reportedlatest stagenot yet

Key facts

consolidated from all reports
10 statements extracted from the articles
  • whatDaniel Blanaru, 37, from Rathmore, Athboy, Co Meath, pleaded not guilty to the murder of Ms Serban. (irishtimes.com)
  • whatMr Blanaru told gardaí he got home from a party and was with Ms Serban, her brother David and another man, and got into an argument. (irishtimes.com)
  • whatThere will be evidence linking blood at the scene to Mr Blanaru. (irishtimes.com)
  • whatA second stab wound to the arm caused a fracture, and there was bruising to her hand and forearm consistent with defence-type injuries. (irishtimes.com)
  • whenThe murder occurred on or about 12 August 2022. (irishtimes.com)
  • causeOne stab wound to the left side of the chest proved fatal and caused injury to the heart, lung and aorta. (irishtimes.com)
  • courtThe trial is before Ms Justice Eileen Creedon and an enlarged jury of 11 men and four women. (irishtimes.com)
  • otherBoth the accused and the victim are Romanian nationals who had been living in Ireland for about two years. (irishtimes.com)
  • otherThe prosecution alleges the relationship was turbulent, jealous and controlling. (irishtimes.com)
  • otherBoth sides accept there was some violence in relation to the 31 July incident. (irishtimes.com)

The reporting

newest first
  1. 11 Feb2025
    In courtirishtimes.com, first report
    Woman stabbed to death by ‘jealous and controlling’ partner at their Meath home, murder trial hears

    Opening of murder trial; prosecution case presented by senior counsel Eilis Brennan before Ms Justice Eileen Creedon and an enlarged jury.

    victim, Larisa Serban, 26, female, Romanian, non-irishLarisa Serbanaccused, Daniel Blanaru, 37, male, Romanian, named, non-irishDaniel Blanaru