A 58-year-old man has been charged with the murder of 61-year-old Eddie Friel in Killybegs, Co Donegal last April.
James Spendley of St Cummin's Hill, Killybegs was brought before Ballyshannon District Court this morning where a previous charge of assault causing serious harm was withdrawn and a charge of murder was brought forward.
Eddie Friel was found dead in his home in the Harbour View Drive estate in Killybegs on Sunday, 13 April.
His family members were present in court.
Detective Garda Niall Brady told Ballyshannon District Court that he re-arrested, charged and cautioned James Spendley this morning at Ballyshannon Garda Station.
James Spendley was charged this morning in Ballyshannon Garda Station with the murder of Eddie Friel contrary to common law on a date unknown between 12 April and 13 April, at an address on Harbour View Drive in Killybegs, Co Donegal.
Detective Garda Brady said the accused made no reply.
The court heard that the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions has directed that the indictment is dealt with in the Central Criminal Court.
Mr Spendley has been in custody since 15 April. He was previously charged with intentionally or recklessly causing serious harm to Eddie Friel. That charge was withdrawn this morning.
Solicitor Gerry McGovern, representing Mr Spendley, said he understood that the book of evidence will take a month to finalise.
Judge Éiteáin Cunningham remanded James Spendley in custody to appear before Sligo District Court via video link on 9 October.
He was previously granted free legal aid at Carrick on Shannon District Court on 15 April.
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