In May 2025, the Central Criminal Court in Ireland commenced the trial of four individuals accused of assisting Jozef Puska following the murder of 23-year-old schoolteacher Ashling Murphy in January 2022. The defendants—Puska’s brothers, Lubomir and Marek, and their wives, Viera Gaziova and Jozefina Grundzova—face charges related to withholding information and impeding the investigation.

Background of the Case

Ashling Murphy was fatally attacked while jogging along the Grand Canal in Tullamore, County Offaly. She sustained 12 sharp force injuries to her neck, 11 of which were stab wounds. Jozef Puska was later convicted of her murder and sentenced to life imprisonment.

Charges Against the Defendants

• Lubomir Puska: Accused of failing to inform Gardaí that his brother returned home on the night of the murder with visible injuries and admitted to “cutting” a woman. He also allegedly withheld information about Jozef’s travel to Dublin that night.
• Marek Puska: Charged with similar offenses, including not disclosing that Jozef admitted to “killing or seriously injuring” a woman and knowledge of an arrangement to burn Jozef’s clothing.
• Viera Gaziova and Jozefina Grundzova: Accused of burning the clothes Jozef wore during the murder, thereby impeding his apprehension or prosecution.

All four defendants have pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Prosecution’s Argument

Prosecuting barrister Sean Gillane SC emphasized the importance of truthful information in criminal investigations. He stated that the defendants knowingly obscured facts relating to a grave offense, thereby hindering the course of justice.

Trial Proceedings

The trial is presided over by Ms. Justice Caroline Biggs and a jury of seven men and five women. It is expected to last up to five weeks. The court has heard that Gardaí were unable to locate the clothing Jozef wore during the murder because his sisters-in-law had burned them.

Community Impact

The murder of Ashling Murphy shocked the nation and led to widespread calls for justice and improved safety for women. The ongoing trial of Puska’s family members continues to draw significant public attention.

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