Derry man charged with woman's murder returned for trial

A man has been returned for trial to Derry Crown Court charged with the murder of Montserrat Elias in August last year.

Ciaran Murray (30) of Malvern Terrace in Derry was charged with the murder and charges of rape and arson endangering life that were said to have occurred on August 24 last year when he appeared at a Preliminary Enquiry at the local Magistrate's Court today. 

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It was accepted that there was a case to answer and there were no contrary submissions.

Murray chose not to call any witnesses and not to submit any statements.

He was returned for trial to Derry Crown Court on January 8 2026 and remanded in continuing custody.