Pathologist attributes Lurgan woman's death to alcoholic ketoacidosis amid expert dispute

The inquest into the 2016 death of 31-year-old Ms Marshall, a dental nurse found partially submerged in her Lurgan bathtub, has highlighted conflicting medical opinions. Although her partner Gary O’Dowd faced murder charges that were withdrawn in 2018, the coroner, Louisa Fee, emphasized that the proceeding is not about assigning blame. Dr Swift, a pathologist, presented evidence that the pattern of bruising and the presence of chronic alcohol misuse point to alcoholic ketoacidosis rather than drowning or assault.

He disputed the relevance of certain injuries to sexual violence and argued that drowning without impairment is unlikely. The family’s counsel, Karen Quinlivan, accused Dr Swift of bias and of tailoring conclusions to benefit Mr O’Dowd, which he denied, stating his testimony is unbiased. The inquiry continues as experts remain divided over the cause and circumstances of the death.