Inquest into tragic deaths of Charleville brothers returns open verdict

Coroner Dr Michael Kennedy said the family had endured a devastating tragedy. “He was suffering from a severe psychotic illness”.

The inquest, being staged in Mallow Courthouse, continues. “I would have kept an eye on Jonathan”.

He was 13 when Mrs O’Driscoll gave birth to the twins.

Jonathan – adopted as a youngster – had been struggling with not knowing who his biological parents were.

The inquest heard that Jonathan had doted on the twin boys.

Wednesday’s inquest heard details of medical reports outlining that Jonathan had been depressed following a road crash in November 2012 and that he had been taking anti-depressants.

Mum Helen arrived home to the horrific news.

They assured him that he would never be “put down the line”, which school children once told him would happen.

I thought it was a joke. “He was my pet”, Helen said. He became so paranoid that he believed somone was trying to poison him. They were not.

After killing his brothers, Jonathan O’Driscoll fled the scene.

Neighbour Michael Stokes was working outside when he was approached by one of his young neighbours. Consultant psychologist Dr Robert Burns said the medication had helped Jonathan.

“The family did everything in their power to assist Jonathan”, the jury foreman said.

Twin nine-year-old boys attacked while changing out of their school clothes at their home in Charleville, Co Cork sustained more than 40 stab wounds each, an inquest has heard. Two knives were found in the river next to the scene.

On the afternoon of 4 September, Jonathan was minding the twins at home while some of the family was away.

Although two knives were found in the river below where Jonathan’s body was found, they yielded no usable forensic evidence.

His computer was found with searches including phrases such as: “murder in Charleville”, “Irish law – stabbing with a knife” and “suicide by hanging”.

The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) has indicated that no prosecution will be made in relation to the case.

Afterwards Dr Kennedy spoke of the horror and the awfulness that had been visited on the family and he said that Jonathan O’Driscoll was suffering from a serious psychiatric illness at the time of the deaths.

And she urged health professionals to be more open to those who engage with their services.

“Small Jimmy walked over to the ditch and said ‘my brother killed my brothers, ‘” Mr Stokes said.

“And I know sometimes they may not show it, as has been seen here today with my young fella”. “For God’s sake, before your parents end up like us, get that help while you are able”, she said.