June 13, 2025

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Just the Facts

House fire victims include former death row inmate

House fire victims include former death row inmate

Summary

A house fire in County Galway, Ireland, resulted in the deaths of Sonia 'Sunny' Jacobs and Kevin Kelly. Ms. Jacobs was known for being wrongfully convicted and spending 17 years in prison in the U.S. for murders she did not commit.

Key Facts

  • Sonia 'Sunny' Jacobs and Kevin Kelly were found dead after a house fire in County Galway, Ireland.
  • The fire occurred in a rural area near Casla, Connemara, and started around 06:20 local time on Tuesday.
  • Ms. Jacobs was a U.S. woman who spent 17 years in prison after being wrongfully sentenced for killing two police officers in Florida in 1976.
  • Her death penalty was changed to a life sentence, and she was later released when evidence came to light.
  • After her release, she moved to Ireland, married Peter Pringle, who also had been wrongly convicted, and worked to support others in similar situations.
  • The house fire's cause is being investigated, but foul play is not suspected.
  • Gardaí (Irish police) are asking for witnesses to come forward with information about the fire.
  • The bodies have been sent to University Hospital Galway for post-mortem examinations.

Source Information