Louth murders: Desperate dad and son tried to flee as killer wipes out family

A father and son killed in a suspected triple murder reportedly tried to flee the scene in search of help before they died.

Mark and Louise O'Connor, and their son Evan, were fatally injured in the brutal attack at their home in Tallanstown, Co Louth, on Monday morning. A care worker is said to have made the grim discovery just before 10am to collect Evan, 27, who had additional needs, to bring him to his day centre. It is understood that Mark and Evan attempted to flee the scene in search of help when the killerstruck. Both Mark, 54, and Evan's bodies were discovered on the driveway of the property, while the body of Louise, 56, was found inside the home in the kitchen, the Irish Mirror reports.

READ MORE: Tallanstown incident UPDATES: Suspect's horror statement after family 'murdered'

READ MORE: Louth murders: Loving messages of couple killed with son in horror attack

Gradai - Irish Police - confirmed a man in his 30s was arrested and taken into custody, and today said the three victims suffered "violent deaths". The suspect reportedly emerged from the home after the attack with his hands covered in blood, before telling a neighbour: "I'm sorry for all the screaming and shouting. It's over now," the Irish Independent reports.

Just days before the tragedy, Mark and Louise celebrated their 33rd anniversary, posting doting messages online. The dad, known to be an avid runner, shared an image of the couple on their wedding day on September 12, writing: "There I am with Louise Doherty O'Connor 33 years ago today. Still very much in love," alongside a lovestruck and heart emoji.

Ms O'Connor worked as a nurse and frequently raised money for charities and promoted volunteering work in parts of the developing world, while Mr O'Connor worked for the National Advocacy Service - which provides advocacy for people with disabilities.

Evan attended the Drogheda Abacas Special School for 14 years. Paying tribute to the family, the school praised both Mark and Louise for their work in setting up Drogheda ABACAS, and said Evan was one of the first two children to attend on Day 1. "Both Mark and Louise were passionate advocates for their son Evan and for all autistic people," the statement said. "Mark was a board member of Autism Support Louth & Meath and was a professional advocate for the rights of people with disabilities in his career."

The school said the couple were "instrumental in the setting up of Drogheda ABACAS and many, many families owe them a debt of gratitude." It continued: "They campaigned, lobbied and fundraised for the school and youth clubs and will always be remembered for their legacy to ABACAS and to autistic people. Evan attended ABACAS for 14 years. He grew up with us. [...] May they Rest in Peace. Our sincere condolences and deepest sympathies to all family and friends."

In its latest statement, Gardai said: "Shortly before 10am yesterday, Monday 29th September 2025 Gardaí received a call to attend at a domestic residence at Drumgowna, Tallanstown, Co. Louth. On arrival at the house, uniform Gardaí discovered Mark O’Connor (54), Louise O’Connor (56) and their son Evan O’Connor, (27) deceased.

"The O’Connor family are a very well-known and respected family. They are good neighbours and an integral part of their local community in Drumgowna and wider area of Louth and Monaghan. [...] Shortly after Gardaí arrived at the house yesterday morning, other responding Gardaí arrested a male (30s) nearby, in connection with this homicide incident.

"The male is currently detained at a Garda Station in the Louth area under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act, 1984. An Garda Síochána is today continuing an investigation into all of the circumstances of this family tragedy. The scene remains subject of an ongoing forensic examination by the Garda National Technical Bureau and Divisional Search Team."

Ireland's Justice Minister Jim O'Callaghan confirmed gardai were not looking for anyone else for questioning, and said there was no further threat to the public following the "criminal act". The remains of the deceased have been removed from the scene and taken to Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, where post-mortem examinations will be carried out today.