Castlebar Man Charged with Arson in Connection to Murder Arising from March Fire
A 63-year-old man from Castlebar has been charged with arson in connection to a murder that occurred during a fire last March. Kevin McHale, residing in Annagh, Castlebar, appeared before Castlebar District Court where he was formally accused of arson at Pheasant Hill, Cloonkeen, Castlebar on March 5, 2023. This charge stems from a fire that broke out at a farmhouse on the outskirts of Castlebar, resulting in the tragic death of 83-year-old John Brogan.
Emergency services quickly responded to the fire and tragically discovered Mr. Brogan’s lifeless body. Further investigation revealed that he had been shot dead. Kevin McHale was promptly arrested following the body’s discovery and subsequently charged with Mr. Brogan’s murder.
During today’s proceedings in the district court, Detective Garda Declan Sweeney informed Judge Vincent Deane of the circumstances surrounding Mr. McHale’s arrest. According to the detective, Mr. McHale was willingly taken into custody at the Mall in Castlebar at 10:09 AM. Following the cautionary process, Mr. McHale was charged with arson but chose not to provide a response before being presented in court.
Inspector Elaine Horan informed Judge Deane that the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) had directed a trial on indictment and granted consent for bail. It is important to note that Mr. McHale had already been granted High Court bail for the murder charge in the past.
Judge Deane decided to grant Mr. McHale bail once again, ordering him to make a subsequent appearance at Castlebar District Court on September 20. It is during this appearance that Mr. McHale will be officially presented with a book of evidence pertaining to his case.
The charges laid against Kevin McHale highlight the seriousness of the incident that took place in Castlebar last March. As legal proceedings continue, the community is left mourning the loss of John Brogan, an 83-year-old man whose life was tragically cut short. The court will now play a crucial role in determining Mr. McHale’s ultimate culpability in both the arson and murder cases.
