A cruel murderer who subjected a teenage boy to torture and dismemberment in a gang-related killing left a disturbing message for the victim’s loved ones. Keane Mulready-Woods was entangled in a drug dispute in Drogheda, Ireland. He was enticed to a residence on January 12, 2020, where he faced torment and decapitation by suspected serial killer Robbie Lawlor. This heinous act instilled fear in the town and marked a gruesome escalation in the ongoing gang conflict.
The victim’s body parts were discarded from a vehicle in a bag onto a sidewalk in Moatview, with his head, hands, and feet later discovered in a burnt car in Dublin. Keane’s murder triggered a series of retaliatory assaults, leading to Lawlor’s own demise in April 2020. Before going into hiding following Keane’s death, Lawlor, a 36-year-old hitman with a history of criminal activities, was associated with multiple high-profile killings and numerous convictions. A video circulating on social media may have been a contributing factor to his actions.
In a prior incident, Lawlor had been acquitted of an attempted murder charge in December 2019. Shortly after, he was attacked outside a gym by an individual linked to one of his alleged victims, which was filmed and widely shared. This altercation seemingly fueled Lawlor’s vengeful intentions, possibly targeting Keane in retaliation. Gruesome images of dismembered limbs surfaced on social media post the killing, accompanied by taunting captions.
Lawlor suspected Keane’s involvement in the killing of his brother-in-law, further fueling his rage. It is believed that Lawlor initially intended to subject Keane to a “punishment beating” but resorted to extreme violence. Lawlor met his end in a daylight shooting in north Belfast, with authorities suspecting a setup by rivals or self-defense as potential motives.
Following Lawlor’s demise, revelations emerged of his tactic of disguising as a woman to evade law enforcement. Lawlor’s penchant for cross-dressing was a well-kept secret, allowing him to move around Dublin incognito. Keane, on the other hand, was under supervision at the time of his death due to criminal activities related to drug debts.
In the aftermath of the brutal incident, a memorial service was held at the Holy Family Church in Ballsgrove to honor Keane Mulready-Woods. Father Phil Gaffney condemned the perpetrators, emphasizing the arrogance and wickedness displayed in taking Keane’s life unlawfully.