Man charged with murder of his mother in Donegal

Guenter Lohse has been charged with murdering Ruth Lohse on April 12th, 2022

Guenter Lohse, a 61-year-old German national, was brought before Letterkenny District Court on Monday. Photograph: Stock
Guenter Lohse, a 61-year-old German national, was brought before Letterkenny District Court on Monday. Photograph: Stock

A man has appeared in court charged with murdering his mother in Donegal.

Guenter Lohse has been charged with murdering Ruth Lohse at Coolvoy, Doochary, on April 12th, 2022.

Mr Lohse, a 61-year-old German national, was brought before Letterkenny District Court on Monday.

Ms Lohse, who was aged in her 80s, died in a house fire. Lohse was arrested a short time later and has been in custody since.

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Garda Ciara Gibbons gave evidence of charging Lohse at 11.37am on Monday, October 24th.

After being charged, Lohse replied: “No comment.”

Mr Lohse is also charged that he caused criminal damage to the value of €25,000 to a house belonging to Martin Caulfield.

In September, the court heard that Mr Lohse was deemed fit to stand trial following an assessment by a clinical psychologist.

Sergeant Jim Collins confirmed that the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) has directed trial on indictment with Mr Lohse to go before the Central Criminal Court.

A charge of arson with intent to endanger life has been withdrawn.

Judge Éiteáin Cunningham directed that Mr Lohse receive psychiatric treatment and any other necessary treatment upon return to Castlerea Prison.

Mr Lohse was remanded in custody to appear via video link at Letterkenny District Court on Thursday, October 27th.