Double Murder Suspect Ruth Lawrence Caught in South Africa
Ruth Lawrence, 42, was arrested last week on the streets of Bloemfontein. South African police detained her on an international arrest warrant linked to a chilling double murder in Ireland.
Extradition to Ireland Confirmed
Today, Lawrence appeared before Bloemfontein Magistrates’ Court in the Free State Province. She confirmed she will not fight extradition back to Ireland. National Prosecuting Spokesman Phaladi Shuping said:
“The case has been postponed until next month for the South African and Irish authorities to finalise logistical arrangements for handing her over to Irish officials.”
grisly 2014 Double Murder Uncovered
Lawrence is wanted in connection with the 2014 murders of friends Eoin O’Connor and Anthony Keegan. The pair were brutally killed and found wrapped in plastic sheeting, buried in a shallow grave on Inchicup Island, Lough Sheelin, Co Meath.
The victims had travelled from Dublin to Co Cavan for a prearranged meeting and were last seen on April 22, 2014. Their disappearance sparked concern among friends and family when they failed to return.
Fleeing the Law: Lawrence on the Run
It is believed Lawrence fled Ireland shortly after the murders with her then-boyfriend Neville van der Westhuizen. Van der Westhuizen is also wanted in connection to the killings but remains behind bars in South Africa serving a life sentence for a separate murder.
The chilling case has gripped Ireland and now, with Lawrence’s arrest, justice may finally be on the horizon.
