FSI evidence helps secure a conviction in the Santina Cawley murder trial in May 2022

Santina Cawley, a two-year old child, was found in an apartment at Boreenmanna Road, Cork on the 5th of July 2019, with multiple injuries to her body and head. She received medical assistance at the scene and was transferred to hospital where she later died. Karen Harrington was accused of carrying out the fatal assault.

Scientists from the DNA and Biological Analysis section of FSI carried out Bloodstain Pattern Analysis at the scene and laboratory based forensic examinations on items including clothing and clumps of hair recovered at the scene. Bloodstaining was identified on a pair of adult leggings, from Ms Harrington’s bedroom, with DNA profiles

matching those of Santina Cawley and Karen Harrington. A DNA profile, matching that of Santina Cawley, was obtained from clumps of hair found at the scene. These clumps had features characteristic of forceful removal.

In May 2022, a jury at the Central Criminal Court, sitting in Cork, heard expert witness testimony from two FSI Scientists in this case. Karen Harrington was subsequently convicted of the murder of Santina Cawley