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. 2086Murder · Co. Meath · 12 Aug 2022

Detective cross-examined in Daniel Blanaru murder trial at Central Criminal Court

At the Central Criminal Court, Det Sgt Robert Madden was cross-examined in the ongoing murder trial of Daniel Blanaru, 37, who is accused of stabbing his partner Larisa Serban, 26, to death in Co Meath in August 2022. The defence argued the detective had 'already judged' the accused before his interview, while Madden maintained the investigation was approached with an open mind.

  1. Reportednot reported
  2. Arrestednot reported
  3. Chargednot reported
  4. In court13 Mar
  5. Verdict
  6. Sentenced
reportedhappened, not reportedlatest stagenot yet

Key facts

consolidated from all reports
8 statements extracted from the articles
  • whatDaniel Blanaru, 37, from Rathmore, Athboy, Co Meath, has pleaded not guilty to the murder of Larisa Serban, 26. (irishtimes.com)
  • whatThe accused was awake for the whole night before being interviewed. (irishtimes.com)
  • whatThe accused was assessed by a doctor and deemed fit to be interviewed. (irishtimes.com)
  • whatThe accused said he had been up for two days with no food. (irishtimes.com)
  • whatThe accused was asked how many times he stabbed her and replied he did not know. (irishtimes.com)
  • whereThe interview of the accused took place at Ashbourne Garda station on August 12, 2022. (irishtimes.com)
  • courtThe trial is before Ms Justice Eileen Creedon and an enlarged jury of 11 men and four women at the Central Criminal Court. (irishtimes.com)
  • otherThe defence counsel is Giollaíosa Ó Lideadha SC. (irishtimes.com)

The reporting

newest first
  1. 13 Mar2025
    In courtirishtimes.com, follow-up
    Detective denies ‘already making up his mind’ before interviewing man accused of murdering partner

    Cross-examination of Det Sgt Robert Madden, who interviewed the accused at Ashbourne Garda station. Defence counsel Giollaíosa Ó Lideadha SC argued the detective had prejudged the accused; Madden denied this. The trial continues before Ms Justice Eileen Creedon and an enlarged jury.

    victim, Larisa Serban, 26, female, non-irish (judged from name)Larisa Serbanaccused, Daniel Blanaru, 37, male, named, non-irish (judged from name)Daniel Blanaru