A cruel murderer, involved in a gang-related crime, sent a chilling message to the family and friends of a teenage boy he tortured and dismembered. Keane Mulready-Woods became entangled in a drug feud in Drogheda, Ireland, and was enticed to a residence on January 12, 2020. There, he suffered torment and was beheaded by suspected serial killer Robbie Lawlor. This savage act instilled fear in the community and marked a new level of horror in the ongoing gang conflict.
The victim’s body parts were disposed of callously, with his limbs discarded in a sports bag on a sidewalk in Moatview, while his head, hands, and feet were later discovered in a burned-out vehicle in Dublin. Keane’s tragic death triggered a wave of retaliatory assaults, leading to Lawlor’s own demise in April 2020. Lawlor, a 36-year-old hitman with a long history of criminal activities, had numerous convictions before going into hiding following the heinous murder of Keane. Allegedly, a disturbing video shared on social media may have served as Lawlor’s motivation.
Prior to these events, 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 supposed murder victims, resulting in Lawlor’s belongings being stolen and publicized by his adversaries. Keane, present during the confrontation, potentially became a target of Lawlor’s vengeful actions in response to the humiliation suffered.
Lawlor also suspected Keane’s involvement in the killing of his brother-in-law, further fueling his desire for retaliation. Irish authorities speculate that Lawlor’s initial intention might have been to administer a punishment to Keane, but the situation escalated tragically. Lawlor met his end when he was fatally shot in broad daylight in north Belfast. Investigators believe he was either set up for assassination by rivals or eliminated by a fellow drug dealer for self-preservation.
Posthumous revelations about Lawlor’s behavior shed light on his penchant for disguises, including dressing as a woman to evade law enforcement. Witnesses recounted instances of Lawlor moving incognito around Dublin in feminine attire, with his family and friends joking about his preference for cross-dressing. Despite his demise, Lawlor’s criminal activities continued to impact his surroundings, as Keane had been under probation for intimidating a local mother regarding drug-related debts.
In the aftermath of the brutal incident, community members gathered at the Holy Family Church, Ballsgrove, to honor Keane’s memory. Father Phil Gaffney condemned the perpetrators for assuming roles of judge, jury, and executioner, condemning their audacity and wickedness.
