Crossbow victim’s dad joins her brother charged with murder bid
A SECOND person has been charged with the attempted murderofawomanwhowasshotby a crossbow during an alleged family brawl that spilled out onto a street.
On Tuesday the victim’s brother Sean McDonagh (23) of Coolcullen Meadows, Enniskillen, was remanded in custody accused of her attempted murder, causing grievous bodily harm and possession of an offensive weapon.
Now the father of both victim and accused has also been charged.
Charles McDonagh (46), also from Coolcullen Meadows, is accused of attempted murder and possessing a crossbow.
Opposing bail, a detective constable told Enniskillen Magistrates Court that police were called to a disturbance at around midnight on October 14, where they found the victim had been struck with a crossbow bolt which had gone through her upper left arm.
She was taken to hospital and on the way allegedly identified her brother Sean as the person who fired the crossbow in comments captured on police bodyworn cameras.
The incident allegedly began with a row in which McDonagh jnr was observed punching his sister to the head, causing her to fall to the ground.
He then went to his house, retrieved the crossbow, chased the victim before firing the bolt.
Meanwhile, McDonagh snr emerged, also holding a crossbow, and joined in the chase.
Whenhewasspokentobypolice, he said: “I meant to kill my daughter. I’m not afraid of the law.
“I’ll not be leaving until I kill someone.
“I’m mad in the brain.” The outburst was caught on body-worn cameras.
McDonagh jnr was charged and brought before Omagh Magistrates Court on Tuesday, where bail was refused due to risk of reoffending and witness interference.
However, McDonagh snr’s ap- pearance was delayed after he complained of chest pains whilst in custody and was released on bail for hospital treatment.
On discharge he was rearrested on Tuesday night and brought to Enniskillen Magistrates Court yesterday.
The officer accepted the victim is unwilling to make a statement of complaint, but highlighted the commentary on body-worn footage.
She said the crossbow attributed to McDonagh Snr had been recovered, but not that belonging tohisson,whichwastakenaway and disposed of by a neighbour. “To date it has not been found,” she said.
Pressed on the availability of witnesses, the detective said they did exist but are fearful of repercussions should they co-operate with police.
She said: “This is a serious matter and tensions are very high in the area.”
A defence lawyer pointed to the absence of a complaint from the victim, and the presumption of innocence and bail for his client.
He put forward alternative addresses for residence and advised McDonagh snr’s family had gathered around £3,000 cash as a surety.
But bail was rejected by District Judge Michael Ranahan who said he did not find the defendant to be suitable.
He said: “There are issues over concerns for public safety and potential witness interference.”
Both McDonaghs will appear by video-link next month.