A homeless man previously questioned over the death of 89-year-old Josephine Ray is due to appear before Nenagh District Court charged with her murder, almost a year after her death shocked the local community.
Pensioner Found Dead in Her Home
Ms Ray, a retired widow, was found dead in her bed at her home in St Joseph’s Park, Nenagh, on 4 August 2024. The discovery was made by her daughter, Mary Ray, who had been living at the property along with her partner, Hasan Ali Gori.
The alarm was raised shortly after 11 am that morning, when neighbours noticed Garda activity around the quiet residential estate. A post-mortem was later carried out by the State Pathologist’s Office, which confirmed that Ms Ray had died in violent circumstances.
Accused to Appear in Court
Mr Gori, who is in his early 50s and originally from outside Ireland, is expected to appear before Nenagh District Court on Friday, 17 October 2025, charged with murder. Gardaí confirmed that he remains in custody following a series of separate convictions for assault.
The accused is expected to be brought under heavy security due to previous violent incidents in prison.
Couple Previously Questioned and Released
Both Gori and Ms Ray were initially arrested in the weeks following Ms Ray’s death, but were later released without charge. In interviews last year, they strongly denied any involvement, describing the allegations as “false” and “hurtful.”
After being released, the couple reportedly became homeless and were seen camping in a tent near Nenagh. Gardaí maintained surveillance on both individuals as part of the ongoing investigation.
Gardaí Submit File to DPP
Following months of investigation, Gardaí submitted a full file to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) earlier this year. The DPP subsequently directed that Gori be charged with murder.
In a statement issued on Thursday night, Gardaí confirmed:
“A male in his 50s has been charged in relation to the investigation surrounding the death of a woman whose body was discovered at a residence in St Joseph’s Park, Nenagh, Co. Tipperary, on the afternoon of Sunday, 4 August 2024. He is due to appear before Nenagh District Court this morning, Friday, 17 October 2025.”
Violent Prison Incidents
Mr Gori is currently serving a six-month sentence for assaulting two Garda officers earlier this year. While in custody at Portlaoise Prison, he was involved in several altercations and sustained serious injuries following an assault by other inmates.
Sources said he was hospitalised in intensive care before being returned to custody. Gardaí are understood to have interviewed him again during that time regarding the Nenagh investigation.
Daughter Maintains Innocence
Mary Ray, who continues to deny any connection to her mother’s death, told reporters earlier this year that she found her mother “lifeless” in bed.
“I got up that morning to make tea and went to check on her. The blanket was over her mouth, and I thought she was asleep,” she said. “Later, when she didn’t move, I pulled the blanket down — she wasn’t moving at all. I was nervous and called for help straight away.”
Ms Ray described her mother as “a kind woman who loved her family” and said the accusations against her were “devastating.”
Nenagh Community in Shock
The death of the elderly woman sent shockwaves through the close-knit Nenagh community. Neighbours described Ms Ray as quiet, independent, and deeply respected in the local area.
One resident said, “She was a lovely woman, always had a smile. Everyone in the estate was heartbroken when we heard what happened.”
Investigation Remains Active
While Gori now faces a formal murder charge, Gardaí say the investigation remains active, with officers continuing to gather forensic and witness evidence. It is expected that the case will be referred to the Central Criminal Court after preliminary hearings in Nenagh.
A Garda spokesperson said detectives “remained committed to securing justice for Ms Ray and her family.”
Background of the Accused
Court records show Gori has a history of minor public order offences and was previously known to Gardaí. He was also the subject of several welfare interventions due to his unstable housing situation in the months before Ms Ray’s death.
Prison sources told M10News that Gori had been “a difficult inmate,” requiring medical care following violent episodes.
Trial Expected in 2026
Legal experts say the case is likely to move to trial next year, once forensic evidence and witness statements are finalised.
If convicted, Gori faces a mandatory life sentence under Irish law.
M10News Crime Desk | Contact: crime@m10news.com
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