A TV documentary explores the Olivia Dunlea murder, focusing on family impact as the killer seeks parole.
A Cork murder case will be featured on a new TV show as Olivia Dunlea’s family seeks to raise awareness. The episode will focus on violent, coercive control.
The show, titled Marú inár Measc on TG4, tells three stories with family cooperation. It recounts how Darren Murphy killed Olivia, his girlfriend, and highlights his potential eligibility for parole.
The show features interviews with Olivia’s mother, sister, and daughter. It explores the impact of fatal crimes, looking at the effects on families and communities.
Episode 3 airs on March 5, 2025, covering the murder of Olivia Dunlea. She was killed in Passage West in 2013 by her boyfriend, Darren Murphy.
Olivia was a teacher and volunteer. Her family was very important to her; she had two sisters and was very close to them, with one sister living in the same area.
In 2013, Olivia collected her sister from the hospital, planning to help with the new baby. Olivia went out with Murphy that night, saying she would be back in the morning.
Olivia and Murphy went to a local bar and then took a taxi back to Olivia’s house. Neighbors then reported a fire there; Murphy had stabbed Olivia and set the house on fire.
Murphy displayed obsessive behavior during their relationship, constantly wanting to know Olivia’s whereabouts. He was even seen watching her house at night.
The episode explores stalking and femicide cases in Ireland, also examining how the legal system handles such cases. Murphy gave false information to the police but was soon arrested for Olivia’s murder.
The case was complicated, and it took seven years for Olivia’s family to get justice. Murphy’s defense claimed Olivia had provoked him, seeking a manslaughter charge with a lighter sentence.
After three trials and appeals, Murphy finally received a life sentence; this was his second life sentence for Olivia’s murder.
Now, Murphy can apply for parole, forcing the family to relive their trauma. The family feels they are serving a life sentence of unending loss themselves.
The show includes interviews with Olivia’s family. Her daughter Megan speaks about the impact of the murder, highlighting how deeply it affected her and her brothers.