Overview
- On Wednesday, May 27, 2026, Mike Kelley was brought before Tralee District Court, served with the book of evidence and formally sent forward for trial to the next sittings of the Central Criminal Court.
- Judge David Waters noted Kelley remains in custody and said decisions on bail are a matter for the higher court rather than the District Court.
- Kelley, a 54-year-old American national and former US soldier, faces a single indictment alleging the murder of Kerry sheep farmer Michael Gaine between 20 and 21 March 2025 at Carrig, Kenmare.
- The court granted Kelley free legal aid with two defence counsel and his solicitor confirmed the State’s evidence file has been delivered to the defence; the book of evidence sets out witness statements, exhibits and other material the prosecution will rely on at trial.
- The hearing was brief and watched by Gaine’s widow and family, and the next steps to follow include scheduling at the Central Criminal Court and any pre-trial applications such as an alibi or bail being heard there.