The Unfolding Tragedy: A timeline

⁢‍ The deaths ‍of Joe ‌Collins, 54, ​and Claire collins, 50, at their residence ‌near​ Corofin, ​County⁢ Clare, on Nov.‌ 9, 2023, ⁢continue to perplex ​investigators. The sequence of‌ events leading to the discovery of their bodies is critical to understanding the case.

Key events:

• 3:09 a.m.,Nov.9, 2023: the National Ambulance service receives an anonymous⁤ call from a male reporting a ​tragedy at the Collins’ residence.
• Approximately 3:15 a.m., Nov. 9, 2023: Brian Sammon, who answered the call, reports that the caller refused⁢ to expand on the nature of the tragedy, urging dispatch to just come or words to that effect. Sammon added, ​ He provided a townland and I can’t remember what it was. I eventually got a good location as I could.
• Later that morning: Brian Collins, Joe’s brother, discovers the bodies nearly 12 hours after the anonymous call.He had planned to meet Joe‌ to ​fit a water softener, following their attendance at a funeral removal the previous evening.

The Inquest: Divergent Conclusions

‍ ⁤ The inquest, presided over by Coroner Isobel O’Dea ⁣at Clare Coroner’s Court, aimed to shed light on ⁢the ⁢circumstances surrounding the deaths. However, the jury reached a split decision, highlighting the ambiguities in the evidence.
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The Verdicts:

• Joe Collins: Ruled a suicide.
• Claire Collins: An open‌ verdict was recorded. Ms. O’Dea clarified ​that an ‍open ‍verdict ⁤means the available evidence does not‍ fully disclose the means⁣ by wich⁤ the cause of death occurred or does​ not meet the required standard of proof for another verdict.

Forensic Evidence: Pathologist’s ⁣Findings

‌ ⁢ Assistant State Pathologist ⁣Dr. Margot Bolster’s⁣ testimony provided crucial insights into the​ cause of death, especially for Claire ​Collins.
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Key Findings:

• Cause of Death (Claire Collins): Asphyxia due to smothering.
• dr.⁣ Bolster’s‌ Assessment:
  

  The findings are consistent with pressure by a pillow over a⁢ face put ‍in place by a third ‍party.

  Dr. Margot Bolster, Assistant State Pathologist

• Defensive Injuries: Dr. Bolster noted bruising on Ms. collins’s right wrist joint and the back of her right‌ hand, indicating defensive type injuries.

The Anonymous Call: A Closer Look

⁣ ⁢ The 911 call placed hours before the discovery of ⁢the bodies remains a focal ‍point of the examination. the caller’s⁣ reluctance to provide​ details and subsequent actions raise significant questions.

Details​ of the Call:

• Initial Hesitation: According to Mr. Sammon, the caller provided his ⁤wife’s phone number after‍ some hesitation.
• Abrupt End: The caller got frustrated and hung up.
• Unsuccessful Callback: Attempts to call the number back were unsuccessful, with the calls going to voicemail.

Family and Friends: Remembering ​the Collinses

‍ Those who knew Joe and Claire Collins offer⁢ glimpses into ⁤their‌ lives and the shock of their sudden deaths.
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Perspectives:

• Catriona Murphy (Colleague of Ms. Collins): Noted a discernible difference in tone ⁢and demeanour between two phone calls she had with Ms.Collins on the evening of⁣ Nov. 8. I asked her if she was okay and she said that she was.
• Family ⁣Statement: A statement read on behalf of both families‌ expressed that they were still⁤ processing the⁢ grief​ and loss we feel every ​day‌ for both​ Claire and Joe, remembering them as two irreplaceable ‍people.

Concluding remarks

​ ‌ ‍ ⁣At the inquest’s conclusion, Ms. O’Dea conveyed her ⁢condolences to the Collins and Meere families, acknowledging that no words can describe how awful it must be for all of​ you. The investigation continues as authorities ⁤seek to reconcile the conflicting verdicts and unanswered questions‍ surrounding this tragic case. A crucial piece of evidence was a note found inside⁣ the house, instructing, check upstairs and out the ⁤back.