Waterford man Wayne Roche found guilty of murder of John ‘King’ O’Connor
Wayne Roche has been found guilty of murder at Waterford Central Criminal Court.
A jury has found Wayne Roche guilty of the murder of John ‘King’ O’Connor.
Mr O’Connor was beaten to death in his home at 17 Cluain Fada, New Ross Co. Waterford on a date between December 30-31, 2024. Roche, with an address at Dominic’s Place, Waterford city, was charged with murder on January 2, 2025.
A trial began in Waterford Central Criminal Court in late April 2026, where Roche pleaded guilty to manslaughter and not guilty to murder.
Judge Patrick McGrath oversaw proceedings, while Dean Kelly SC acted as prosecutor on behalf of the State.
Roche was represented by John Byrne SC under the instruction of solicitor Lana Doherty.
The trial lasted three weeks and featured over 60 witnesses.
On Friday, May 15, the jury of eight women and four men deliberated for three hours and 10 minutes before returning a unanimous verdict of guilty.
As Roche was taken into custody, friends and family of Mr O’Connor broke into cheers and applause.
Roche will be sentenced by Judge Patrick McGrath at a sitting in Dublin Criminal Court on Monday, June 15.
The jury were exempt from jury service for a period of 10 years.
