A New York man has been charged with murder in the death of his father at a luxury hotel in Ireland. According to the Irish Times, after John was found dead at the five-star Ballyfin Demesne Hotel in County Laois on November 12, Irish authorities identified 30-year-old Henry McGowan as his father, 60. He was charged with the murder of John McGowan. BBC and RTE News.
John McGowan was seriously injured during the assault at the hotel’s leisure center and was later pronounced dead, the outlet reported.
Local police, known as Gardaí in Ireland, told PEOPLE they arrived at the hotel around 8 p.m. and found the 60-year-old man dead. A 30-year-old man was subsequently arrested at Eastern Region Garda Station.
Gardaí did not name those involved but confirmed the incident was still under investigation. Garda Technical Directorate and State Pathologist’s Office are assisting with this case.
“He did everything in his power to bring desperately needed help to his seriously mentally ill son, Henry,” the heartbroken family said in a statement to The New York Times.
“The family has requested privacy during this difficult time and will not be commenting further.”
Henry McGowan, who has an address in Brooklyn, New York, appeared in Portlaoise District Court on November 15th. His lawyer Barry Fitzgerald said Mr McGowan had serious mental health issues and had requested a psychiatric evaluation while in custody at Cloverhill Prison. Judge Andrew Cody granted the request.
Henry McGowan’s next court appearance is scheduled for November 18th.
