A 57-year-old man, James Spendley, has been formally charged with the murder of 61-year-old Eddie Friel in County Donegal, Republic of Ireland. The incident dates back to April, when Mr. Friel’s body was discovered at his residence on Harbour View Drive in Killybegs on April 13. Spendley, a resident of St Cummin’s Hill in Killybegs, appeared before Ballyshannon District Court on Friday, where a prior charge of intentionally or recklessly causing serious harm was dismissed, and a murder charge was introduced instead, as reported by Irish broadcaster RTÉ. A detective from the Irish police (garda) informed the court that Spendley was re-arrested, charged, and cautioned at Ballyshannon Garda Station on Friday, to which the accused remained silent. The court was also informed that the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions has directed the case to be handled by the Central Criminal Court. Spendley has been in custody since April 15. His solicitor, Gerry McGovern, indicated that the book of evidence would require approximately a month to be finalized. The judge has ordered Spendley to appear before Sligo District Court via video link on Thursday.