Tomas Cypas, a 33-year-old Lithuanian scaffolder and father of one, has been charged with the murder of his friend, Juris Kokenbergs, who died from blunt force trauma to the head in October at a house in Lucan, Dublin.
The case, initially investigated as a serious harm incident, was upgraded to a murder charge after the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) directed gardai to proceed with the more serious charge.
Emergency services responded to a 999 call on October 28, finding the lifeless body of 49-year-old Latvian national Kokenbergs at a property on Old Bridge Park.
Cypas, who has lived in Ireland for over 20 years, was arrested shortly after the incident and initially charged with causing serious harm. However, following the DPP’s direction, the charge was later upgraded to murder. At his most recent court hearing, Detective Garda Neil McGrath confirmed that Cypas was charged with the murder of Kokenbergs, allegedly committed between October 26 and 28.
Cypas, who made no reply to the charges, appeared before Judge William Aylmer at Cloverhill District Court, where he was remanded in custody. The court was told that a post-mortem revealed Kokenbergs had sustained significant head and facial injuries, including swelling to the brain and severe bleeding. The body was found on the floor beside a couch, where Kokenbergs had reportedly lost consciousness earlier.
The accused has been granted free legal aid, and his defense has indicated that Cypas may claim self-defense in the case. A further adjournment is expected as the prosecution prepares a book of evidence, which must be presented before a trial order is granted.
As the investigation continues, the DPP has directed that Cypas face trial in the Central Criminal Court, and bail cannot be sought in the District Court for murder charges.
