Dad is quizzed over frenzied samurai sword murder of wife

Jean Eagers (57) died in a frenzied attack at her home in Willow Wood Grove, Hartstown, on Sunday, June 21.

Her husband William was discharged from hospital yesterday and returned to garda custody for questioning after more than a week of treatment for self-inflicted wounds.

Gardai seized a samurai sword and a meat cleaver, as well as other items from the home, and they are still being forensically examined.

Officers arrested Mr Eagers (60) at the house and took him to Blanchardstown Garda Station for questioning.

Wounds

However, he was immediately moved to Connolly Hospital for treatment for wounds believed to have been self-inflicted.

He was discharged yesterday and taken to the garda station, where he was held under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act 1984.

He can be detained without charge for up to 24 hours, excluding rest periods.

Ms Eagers, a mother-of-two, died from her injuries, which are believed to include multiple stab wounds to the chest.

Since her death, gardai have been carrying out forensic tests on items recovered from the house and made a detailed examination of the scene. They have also interviewed her son, who raised the alarm, and nearby neighbours as possible witnesses.

Gardai are trying to establish if the killer used any of the weapons recovered from the house in the stabbing.

The Herald previously revealed the couple's son, who is in his 20s, sought help after he heard screaming coming from the sitting room.

When he entered the room he witnessed his mother being attacked but when he tried to intervene it is alleged he was threatened: "You will be next."

He ran from the house to neighbours who called emergency services.

It is understood William, known as Billy, initially would not leave the house when armed gardai arrived. Neighbours reported hearing him shouting "put down your weapons" and "nobody is coming in here" before gardai had to break a window and use flash grenades to storm the house.

Ms Eagers was laid to rest on Saturday.

A RIP notice read: "Adored mother of Michelle and Dillon, daughter of the late Frank and Peggy and beloved sister of her brothers. Sadly missed by her loving family and friends."

Neighbours previously told the Herald of their shock at what had happened.

"Jean was very well-known and liked and was a quiet lady," one said.

"My son was in school with Jean's son and she used to make lunch for them when they would come home on their break. Jean was very kind.

Smile

"My husband is a taxi driver like Billy. They knew each other well and nobody had anything bad to say about him."

Colleagues who worked with Ms Eagers at Marks & Spencer in Blanchardstown Shopping Centre paid tribute and wept openly as they left flowers in the days following her death.

"I will miss your bright smile, Jean. You are forever in my heart. Shine bright," said one tribute card.

Another read: "Jean. Always in our hearts. Thoughts, prayers, love always."

The couple had lived in Willow Wood Grove for around 20 years.