Washington - The computer engineer accused of killing seven workmates on Tuesday, Mr Michael McDermott, was born Martinez and changed his name because he wanted to sound more Irish, Patrick Smyth reports.
According to the Boston Globe, Mr McDermott, who is the son of two teachers, Richard and Rosemary (Reardon) Martinez, was christened Michael McDermod Martinez. He and changed his name by deed poll 20 years ago while serving in the US Navy as a nuclear submariner on the USS Narwhal. Court records say he gave as his reason a desire to reflect his Irish heritage. But there is no evidence of any attempt on his part to claim Irish citizenship.