Jury Convicts Man of Murdering Elderly Tipperary Woman in Her Home

A jury at the Central Criminal Court in Limerick convicted 52-year-old Hasan Ali Gori of murdering 89-year-old Josephine Ray at her home in Nenagh, County Tipperary, in August 2024.

The jury returned an 11-1 majority verdict after a three-week trial, finding that Gori strangled the pensioner in her bed. He now faces a mandatory life sentence.

State Pathologist Dr. Yvonne McCartney testified that Ms. Ray died of asphyxia and strangulation. She sustained 44 injuries, including two broken bones in her neck and extensive bruising.

The case centered on the violent end of a woman described by her family as a formidable and independent pensioner who was well-known in her local community.

“Josie Ray didn’t go down without a fight,” said senior prosecuting counsel Lorcan Connolly during his closing address to the jury.

Prosecutors argued that DNA evidence found under Ms. Ray’s fingernails linked Gori to the crime. They stated the victim had attempted to defend herself during the attack.

Gori, a native of Chad, had been living at the victim's home while in a relationship with her daughter, Mary. The court heard the victim disapproved of the arrangement.

Connolly suggested Gori had a clear motive, noting he was at risk of eviction and losing access to social welfare payments linked to the daughter’s disability allowance.

“Unbeknownst to himself, Hasan Ali Gori left his calling card, his DNA under Josie’s fingernails,” said Connolly.

Defense counsel Aidan Doyle argued that the jury should consider the possibility that the victim’s daughter was responsible, citing her history of emotional volatility and past family conflicts.

“If you think it’s even possible that Mary did it, you have to acquit,” said Doyle in his closing speech to the court.

The court heard that neighbors had previously reported constant rowing at the property. The night before the killing, witnesses reportedly saw Gori headbutting Mary Ray.

Following the verdict, the victim’s granddaughter, Rosie O’Brien, delivered a statement describing the family’s ongoing trauma. She said they would be “forever heartbroken” by the loss.

Judge Seán Gillane thanked the jury for their service, noting the difficulty of the task. The court is expected to formally impose the sentence later this week.