'We never expected him to be grateful. But we never expected murder': man apologies to family for murdering mother and trying to murder father

A man has pleaded guilty at the Central Criminal Court to murdering his mother and attempting to murder his father in an attack at their family home in Ballyconnell, County Cavan on 11 January 2025. The 33-year-old defendant wept as family members described the trauma caused by the killing of Annie Heyneman, who was stabbed at least 14 times, and the serious injuries sustained by his father Henk Heyneman during a prolonged assault. The defendant expressed deep remorse through a written apology, stating he is filled with sadness, grief and guilt. Medical evidence established that Annie Heyneman died from blood loss following stab wounds to major blood vessels, while her husband sustained 26 sharp force wounds requiring ongoing treatment. A psychiatric assessment found the defendant has some features of depression and a history of substance abuse but does not suffer from a severe mental disorder. Mr Justice Tony Hunt indicated he would consider consecutive sentences and will pass sentence on 2 June.