One of the most wanted men in the US faces extradition from Ireland to stand trial for killing three college students in a high-speed car crash, the High Court ruled today.
After more than four years on the run, Frederick Russell will be sent back to Washington State to face several charges over the fatal pile-up in 2001. Mr Russell was told that he had fifteen days to lodge an appeal to the Supreme Court against the order.
Russell could end up serving life in jail if convicted.
Following an extradition battle in the Irish courts over the last seven months, Mr Justice Michael Peart ruled that the 27-year-old should be returned to the US for trial.
Russell, dressed in a suit and tie, looked relaxed as the judgment was delivered, but his girlfriend Hazel McNaboe - who has been at his side all along - sobbed and put her head on his shoulder.
The judge told Dublin High Court all documents required for the extradition were in order.
"I have given this matter considerable consideration and having done so I have concluded that the order for extradition should be made," Mr Justice Peart said.
Russell will remain in jail in Dublin for the next 15 days before arrangements can be made for his return.
Russell, who had been using an alias as he worked and lived in Ireland for the last number of years, will stand trial in America on three counts of vehicular homicide, similar to causing death by dangerous driving.
The charges relate to a high-speed collision in June 2001 on a State highway in Washington near the border with Idaho. Three students died and two others were left with permanent injuries.
Russell was slightly hurt and later charged with drink driving, three counts of vehicular homicide and several counts of vehicular assault.
During the extradition case the court was told Russell had been drinking and used cannabis in the hours before the crash. He left the US days before he was due to stand trial.
His details along with a picture were posted on the US Marshals' top 15 most wanted list and he was eventually arrested by gardai following a tip-off.
Russell had been working as a security guard in a clothes shop in the city centre when he was spotted. One of his workmates had been surfing the internet when he discovered Russell was a wanted man.