Life Sentence For Killer Of 89-Year-Old Ms Josie Ray.
A second of three high-profile murder cases involving victims in County Tipperary has now reached a verdict, following the conviction of 52-year-old Mr Hasan Ali Gori, for the brutal murder of 89-year-old Josephine “Josie” Ray at her home in Nenagh, North Tipperary.
Mr Gori was sentenced to life imprisonment at the Central Criminal Court, sitting in Limerick, after a jury returned an 11-1 majority guilty verdict, following a three-week trial.
Ms Ray, a mother of five, grandmother and great-grandmother, was found dead at her home in St Joseph’s Park, Nenagh, Co. Tipperaryon August 4th, 2024.
The court heard that she had been strangled and suffocated in her bed, suffering more than 40 injuries, including two broken bones in her neck. Forensic evidence revealed DNA matching Mr Gori found beneath her fingernails, were consistent with a physical struggle.
Mr Gori had been living in Ms Ray’s home, while in a relationship with her daughter, Mary.
In sentencing, Mr Justice Seán Gillane spoke of the senseless violence inflicted on an elderly woman who was entitled to feel safe in her own home.
Her devastated family described Josie as the heart of their family, a fiercely independent woman remembered throughout Nenagh for her kindness, personality, fashion and love of life.
Three Tipperary Cases – Two Verdicts Now Delivered
- Timothy “Teddy” Murnane, aged 80 – Tipperary Town.
On November 6th, Mr Seán Harding, aged 32, was found not guilty of murder but guilty of the manslaughter of Mr Murnane, who died following a confrontation during a burglary at his home in September 2025. Sentencing is scheduled for December 14th. - Josephine “Josie” Ray, aged 89 – Nenagh.
Today, November 10th, Mr Hasan Ali Gori was convicted of her murder and sentenced to life imprisonment. - Scarlett Faulkner, aged 28 – Birdhill.
The third case remains before the Central Criminal Court. A woman and a teenage girl are on trial for the alleged murder of Ms Faulkner, who died on April 13th, 2026, following a violent roadside attack at Birdhill in March. Both have denied murder, although the teenager has admitted manslaughter. The murder charges have yet to be determined by the jury.
Three Families Devastated By Violent Deaths
These three cases have brought immense grief to families and communities across County Tipperary.
With two verdicts now delivered and a third trial continuing, our thoughts remain with the loved ones of Timothy Murnane, Josephine Ray and Scarlett Faulkner.
May those who have lost their lives be remembered with dignity, and may their families find some measure of peace and justice.
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