Ireland Case No. 4259Murder · Co. Westmeath · 24 Oct 2022
Ross O'Rourke found not guilty of murder by reason of insanity for killing father in Kinnegad
Ross O'Rourke, 31, was found not guilty of murder by reason of insanity by a unanimous jury after stabbing his father Stefan Nivelles Posschier, 65, 18 times in Kinnegad, Co. Westmeath, in October 2022. He was committed to the Central Mental Hospital for ongoing treatment by Mr Justice Paul McDermott.
- Reportednot reported
- Arrestednot reported
- Chargednot reported
- In courtnot reported
- Acquitted19 Dec
- Sentenced
reportedhappened, not reportedlatest stagenot yet
Key facts
consolidated from all reports7 statements extracted from the articles
- whatO'Rourke placed weights on the body believing he was preventing his father from rising from the dead. (irishtimes.com)
- whenThe killing occurred between October 24th and 25th, 2022. (irishtimes.com)
- causeO'Rourke also believed his father had given him coded messages saying he wished to die. (irishtimes.com)
- courtA jury of five men and seven women returned a unanimous verdict of not guilty by reason of insanity. (irishtimes.com)
- courtDefence counsel was Michael Bowman SC and prosecution counsel was Shane Costelloe SC. (irishtimes.com)
- otherO'Rourke's condition will be considered by a review board at least every six months. (irishtimes.com)
- otherO'Rourke had been forcibly detained at Cloverhill remand prison due to his mental illness before the killing. (irishtimes.com)
The reporting
newest first- 19 Dec2025Man (31) who killed father found not guilty of murder by reason of insanity
Reports the jury verdict of not guilty by reason of insanity and the subsequent commitment to the Central Mental Hospital, including psychiatric evidence on the accused's schizo-affective disorder and delusions.
victim, Stefan Nivelles Posschier, 65, male, non-irish (judged from name)Stefan Nivelles Posschieraccused, 31, male, irish (judged from name)