Irish murderer serving life sentence dies in prison

THE IRISH Prison Service has confirmed the death of a prisoner in the custody of Cork Prison.

It is understood that Limerick murderer Michael Leonard died while in the custody of the Irish Prison Service on Tuesday, February 27.

The 63-year-old pleaded guilty to the murder of Mary O'Keeffe in Doneraile, Cork and was sentenced to life in prison in December of 2023.

Mr Leonard had set the car Ms O’Keefe was in on fire and she burned to death.

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In a statement released to the Limerick Leader, a spokesperson for the Irish Prison Service said: “The Irish Prison Service can confirm that there was a death of a person in custody of Cork Prison on February 27, 2024 and the next of kin have been notified.

“All deaths in custody are investigated by the Irish Prison Service, the Inspector of Prisons and An Garda Síochána, where circumstances warrant.

“The cause of death is determined by the Coroner’s Office,” the statement read.

It is understood that Mr Leonard died due to a lengthy battle with cancer.