Family Members of Ashling Murphy’s Killer Convicted of Obstructing Investigation

In a significant development in the case of Ashling Murphy, five individuals connected to her killer, Jozef Puska, have been found guilty of charges related to obstructing the investigation into her murder. The convicted include Puska’s two brothers, Marek (36) and Lubomir (35), his wife Lucia Istokova (34), and his sisters-in-law, Jozefina Grundzova (31) and Viera Gaziova (38). The jury delivered unanimous and majority verdicts after reviewing evidence that showed these family members knowingly concealed information and tampered with evidence. 

The charges against the brothers, Marek and Lubomir, stem from their failure to disclose to Gardaí that Jozef Puska had returned home on the night of January 12, 2022, with visible injuries and had admitted to “cutting” or “killing” a woman. They also did not inform authorities that he had traveled to Dublin that night. Their wives, Jozefina and Viera, were convicted of intentionally impeding Jozef’s arrest by burning his bloodstained clothes, an act aimed at destroying evidence. 

Jozef Puska, a Slovak national, was previously convicted of the brutal stabbing and is currently serving a life sentence for the murder of 23-year-old schoolteacher Ashling Murphy. Murphy was fatally attacked while jogging along the Grand Canal in Tullamore, County Offaly, on January 12, 2022. The case garnered widespread media attention and public outcry, leading to vigils across Ireland and the UK.

The five convicted individuals have been remanded on bail until a sentencing hearing scheduled for July 7, 2025. Their convictions highlight the serious legal consequences of obstructing justice and the importance of accountability in the aftermath of such a tragic event.