{
  "id": 19406205,
  "title": "Scarlett Faulkner's DNA found on metal pole, court hears",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/10/scarlett-faulkners-dna-found-on-metal-pole-court-hears",
  "topic": "science",
  "section": "Science",
  "published": "2026-11-10T22:18:09.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "RTE News",
    "slug": "rte-news",
    "url": "https://www.rte.ie/news/2026/1110/1598767-scarlett-faulkner/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "A scientist at Forensic Science Ireland identified DNA belonging to Scarlett Faulkner on a 64.5 centimeter metal pole recovered by gardai during their investigation into her death. The pole, which was 4 centimeters wide at its widest point and tapered to a point at one end, was found to have blood stains near its pointed end and 26 centimeters further down along the edge. These blood stains matched Faulkner's DNA profile, making it a key piece of evidence in the prosecution's case. The prosecution argues that a teenage girl, who is on trial, beat Faulkner to death with the metal pole. The teenager has pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter. Additionally, a 41-year-old woman is alleged to have been part of a joint enterprise with the teenager in the killing, as well as causing serious injury to Faulkner and her estranged husband, who had started a relationship with the deceased. The trial is ongoing before Mr. Justice Kerida Naidoo and a jury consisting of eight men and four women.",
  "summary": "A scientist found DNA matching that of Scarlett Faulkner when he sampled two areas of blood staining on a 64.5 centimetre metal pole recovered by gardai investigating the 28-year-old's death following an assault by the side of a busy road earlier this year, the Central Criminal Court has heard.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}