Tributes have been paid to a couple and their son who were found dead at their home in the townland of Drumgowna yesterday morning. Mark and Louise O’Connor, who were in their 50s, and their son Evan, who was in his 20s, have been named as the deceased. It comes after Gardaí officially confirmed this morning that they are treating the deaths as a homicide investigation.
In the first official press conference in relation to the deaths of the three family members, Gardaí confirmed that the three family members died violently. In a statement, Gardaí described Mark (54), Louise (56) and Evan (27) as a “very well known and respected family .
“They are very good neighbours and friends, and an integral part of the local community in Drumgowna, but also in the extended areas, across the counties of Louth and Monaghan,” the press conference heard.
The married couple have been remembered as “passionate advocates” for their son Evan. In a social media post, Autism Support Louth / Meath Youth Clubs paid tribute.
“It was with the deepest sadness that we heard the news today of the sudden passing of Mark, Louise and Evan O’Connor. Mark and Louise were founder parents of the Drogheda ABACAS Special School and Evan one of the first two children to attend ABACAS on day 1. Both Mark and Louise were passionate advocates for their son Evan and for all autistic people. Mark was a board member of Autism Support Louth&Meath and was a professional advocate for the rights of people with disabilities in his career,” the statement read.
“Both Mark and Louise were instrumental in the setting up of Drogheda ABACAS and many, many families owe them a debt of gratitude. They campaigned, lobbied and fundraised for the school and youth clubs and will always be remembered for their legacy to ABACAS and to autistic people.
“Evan attended ABACAS for 14 years. He grew up with us. There are so many moments to remember so many stories from school and club we will tell each other especially over the next few weeks.
“Mark, Louise and Evan will always remain part of the ABACAS Family. May they Rest in Peace. Our sincere condolences and deepest sympathies to all family and friends.”
Tributes continued to pour in on social media since Monday night, with one lady writing that Evan had shared a bus with her son and others on their daily trip to Abacus school.
“So very sad to hear this news today.” the tribute read. “He would recite Thomas the tank engine to me in the mornings, and the authority in his voice when he would change his tone to be the fat controller. He would be in full control of whatever story he was telling at the time.
“I would see him on a daily basis while he attended the hub. Out for his walks happy out. I am one who personally has great gratitude to both his parents for their investment in our school. Without them and a certain few, we wouldn’t have the gem of a school that we have. Shocked and deeply saddened by today’s very sad news. May they RIP.”
Another tribute said that Evan’s “cheeky smile would warm your heart,” with another remembering Mark and Louise as “lovely people,” who were “always so friendly and welcoming.”
Both parents have been remembered as “truly passionate about inclusion.”
A separate comment said: “An unfathomably sad day for County Louth, but more importantly for the family and friends of Mark, Louise and Evan. Mark and Louise worked tirelessly in advocating for Evan and children like him and they are trailblazers to that end. Thoughts with all those that knew and loved them and may they rest in peace.”
“Absolutely shocked and so saddened for the whole family. Mark and Louise were amazing parents and Evan was an incredible young man who I remember when he was very tiny and very cute and who I had the privilege to teach in the past. Sending peace and healing thoughts to all. This is just heartbreaking,” said another person who knew the family.
“Impossible to comprehend this tragic loss. So many lives touched by each of them. May they rest in peace together. Heartfelt sympathies to their family, friends, and all the ABACAS and wider Louth-Meath Autism community,” a comment underneath the post read.
“A very sad and tragic day – we remember the kind, fun, dedicated, determined, resilient Mark and Louise, and beautiful Evan with love. Condolences to all who had the privilege of knowing them,” a friend said.
It is understood that the couple were married for 33 years.
Minister for Justice Jim O’Callaghan has confirmed that Gardaí are not looking for anyone else for questioning, as they continue to question a man in his thirties who is suspected of killing the three family members. The discovery was made when a friend called to the rural bungalow 5km west of Louth village. Gardaí responded to a call to attend the residential property shortly before 10am on Monday.
It is not clear if all the deceased were stabbed, if they died from blunt force trauma, or if the cause of death was the same for all three individuals. No firearms were used.
Gardaí are examining the suspect’s medical history and recent behaviour; it is understood he had a diagnosis of a serious psychiatric illness and was taking prescribed medication. Speaking during Tuesday’s press conference, Gardaí said that shortly after Gardaí arrived at the house yesterday morning, other Gardaí responding arrested a male nearby, aged in his thirties, in connection with the homicide.
A garda statement said: “Gardaí continue to investigate all the circumstances of a fatal incident at a residential property in Drumgowna, Tallanstown, Co Louth, this morning, Monday September 29, 2025.”
“Three people — a male and a female in their 50s and a male in his 20s were found deceased at the scene,” the statement said.
“A male, aged in his 30s, has been arrested and is currently detained at a station in the garda northwestern region under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act, 1984.”
An Garda Síochána appeals to any person with any information on this incident to contact the Garda Investigation Team by calling Drogheda Garda Station at 041 987 4200, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station.