Pigeon enthusiast ‘died quickly’ after being shot 18 times

A pigeon racing enthusiast died quickly after suffering 18 bullet wounds to the head and body, a murder trial has heard.

Christopher McDonald (34), from the East Wall area of Dublin has pleaded not guilty to the murder of Keith Walker (36) on June 12th, 2015, in the car park of the Blanchardstown Pigeon Racing Club in Clonsilla.

At the Central Criminal Court, State Pathologist Professor Marie Cassidy said she examined Mr Walker's body at Connolly Hospital in Dublin the day after the shooting.

She said he suffered 18 bullet wounds including two that went through his head from behind his left ear, exiting through his forehead. The bullets had caused injuries to his brain, major blood vessels, lungs, kidneys and heart.

She concluded the cause of death was multiple gun shots to the head and body and added that wounds to his legs contributed to his death. She said the injuries were consistent with rapid fire and Mr Walker would have died quickly.

Furry handbag

Det Garda David O’Leary of the Garda Technical Bureau showed the jury a gun that was discovered in a laneway off Sheepmoor Grove, just over 1km from where Mr Walker was shot.

He said a furry River Island handbag and black wig were found beside the gun. The jury has heard from previous witnesses that the gunman was dressed as a woman, wore a black wig and pulled the gun from a handbag.

Det Gda O’Leary said he tested the firearm, a 9mm Makarov sub-machine gun, and was satisfied the bullets that killed Mr Walker were fired from that gun. He said the gun was in good condition but it had previously been deactivated.

It was reactivated by a person who was “skilled”, he added. Inside the gun were six live rounds of ammunition. It was capable of holding 25 rounds.

The garda also produced the wig and handbag to show to the jury.

The trial continues on Monday in front of Justice Patrick McCarthy and a jury of six men and six women.