|
|
Date |
Name |
Age |
Sex |
Reli-gion |
Affili-ation |
Alleged Perpe-trator |
Location Town / Area |
Location County / Country |
Details |
Category |
Arrests / Prosecutions |
Sources |
|
01-Jan-00 |
Denver Smith |
35 |
M |
P |
Loyalist? |
Loyalists? |
Antrim |
Co Antrim |
PUP member attacked in an open area of grassland on Stiles Estate in Antrim. Mr Smith was found battered to death with severe head wounds.[1] Mr Smith’s wife claimed the murder was carried out by ‘druggies’, denying that he was a member of a loyalist gang involved in a fight with drug dealers[2]. In December 2001, the Irish News reported that Ciaran Cummings was killed in retaliation for the murder of Mr Smith[3]. |
In October 2002, ten men, facing charges ranging from manslaughter and criminal damages to causing affray and assisting offenders, were sentenced in relation to the murder and an attack on a house in the estate. The men faced charges ranging from manslaughter and criminal damage to causing affray and assisting offenders, and were given jail sentences of up to seven years. Police were still investigating the actual murder in December 2002.[4] |
[1] Police in fresh murder appeal, by Brian Campbell, Irish News, 31 December 2002 [2] Wife blames ‘druggies’ for PUP man’s murder, by Sharon O’Neill, Irish News, 3 January 2000 [3] Murder 'was work of UVF renegades', by Sharon O'Neill, Irish News, 10 December 2001 [4] Police in fresh murder appeal, by Brian Campbell, Irish News, 31 December 2002 |
|
|
10-Jan-00 |
Richard Jameson |
46 |
M |
P |
UVF |
LVF |
Portadown |
Co Armagh |
UVF leader shot in the head and chest by a lone gunman while sitting in his car outside his home in Portadown[1]. Thought to be retaliation for the attack on the Portadown Football Social Club on 27 December 1999, in which 12 people were injured, some of them LVF prisoners on Christmas parole. That attack has been attributed to the UVF as part of the LVF/UVF feud, and it has been said that Mr Jameson ordered the attack.[2] |
Loyalist feud |
A number of men were arrested within 24 hours of the killing[3]. An Irish Times reporter claimed the killing was committed by a young LVF man from Dungannon[4]. On 28 January 2000, a 37-year-old was charged with possessing the gun used to murder Mr Jameson[5]. |
[1] UVF chief shot dead by rival loyalist gang, by Valerie Robinson, Irish News, 11 January 2000 [2] Loyalist murder suspects held, by Liz Trainor, Irish News, 12 January 2000 [3] Thousands at funeral of UVF man, by Jonathan Turner, Irish News, 14 January 2000 [4] Haemorrhage from within, by Jim Cusack, Irish Times, 16 December 2000 [5] Second man charged over Jameson murder, Irish News, 29 January 2000 |
|
19-Feb-00 |
David McIlwaine |
18 |
M |
P |
Civilian |
UVF |
Tandagree |
Co Armagh |
18-year-old found murdered and mutilated by the side of the road outside Tandagree, together with Andrew Robb. Both he and Mr Robb had been stabbed, suffering severe injuries. The killings were thought to be a retaliation attack by the UVF on the LVF for the death of Richard Jameson.[1] Mr McIlwaine had no paramilitary connections[2]. The murders were featured on the BBC's Crimewatch, with a £10,000 reward [3] DNA evidence emerged in 2006 providing a possible link to one of the suspects, and Mr McIlwaine (victim's father) has called on the Police Ombudsman to conduct a new inquiry [4] The Sinn Fein policing spokesman Gerry Kelly has backed a full independent inquiry into the circumstances concerning the case [5] On the evening of the murder, Brown, Burcombe and Noel Dillon were drinking at Brown’s house in Sinton park when McIlwaine and Robb arrived looking for a party. (11) The group soon began talking about the recent murder of Richard Jameson, described as ‘commander of the UVF in Portadown’. (11) After Robb and McIlwaine allegedly made disparaging comments about Jameson, Brown was said to have threatened to ‘punch the head off’ of them. In the early hours of the morning, the group then agreed to go out in Brown’s Peugeot car and get more drink and drugs. Whilst out, Brown parked the car next to a telephone box and all five got out. Burcombe and McIlwaine walked down the road while Dillon and Brown took Robb ‘for a hiding’ after he had been ‘slabbering’ about Jameson. (11) Burcombe said that he and McIlwaine were soon approached by Brown and Dillon. Brown then attacked McIlwaine who tried unsuccessfully to run away. Brown stamped on McIlwaine whilst he was on the ground and then Dillon pulled out a knife. Brown is then alleged to have said ‘kill the bastard – cut his throat’ and Burcombe says that he saw the pair crouching over McIlwaine making ‘sawing motions’. (11) Brown, Dillon and Burcombe then returned to the car, where Dillon took off his jumper to wipe away the blood. Brown then said ‘I’m going to run over that bastard’s head’. (11) Brown then jumped out of the car with the knife and approached a bleeding McIlwaine. Burcombe says that he remembers a ‘terrible, gasping wheezing noise’. Brown then got back into the car and said ‘That gave me such a buzz. I forgot what it was like to kill’. (11) Both of the victims died after suffering horrific injuries to their throats and stomachs. (12)
|
Loyalist feud |
A 19-year-old man was charged with the murder, but the DPP dropped the charges in February 2001[3]. Another man was arrested for the murders in February 2002. At this time, the Irish News reported that a number of people had been arrested, and one had been charged before the charges were dropped, but no one had yet been convicted.[4] In April 2003, a top police officer agreed to meet with the McIlwaine family to discuss the investigation and the family’s concerns that no one had been convicted and no inquest had yet been held[5]. The Lord Chief Justice (Sir Brian Kerr) criticised the police and the Armagh Coroner for delays in producing documents [6] Mark Robert Burcombe (25) approached the police after the Crimewatch reconstruction [7] Burcombe claimed he was present at the murder along with Steven Brown (previously known as Revels), and Noel Dillon who later committed suicide. Burcombe and Brown are currently on trial for murder [8] The UVF released a statement that the deaths were not sanctioned by them [9] One of the men present at the murder, Mark Burcombe, 28, had come forward to give evidence against Steven Leslie Brown (also known as Steven Revels) and Noel Dillon Burcombe had originally faced murder charges himself but instead a deal was reached whereby in exchange for testifying against Brown (11), Burcombe was sentenced to two years and six months in jail for conspiracy to cause grievous bodily harm. (13) Noel Dillon killed himself in 2005. In Brown’s trial, the prosecutor Gordon Kerr QC described the evidence against Brown as ‘compelling’. This included tyre marks at the murder scene matching the Peugeot car of Brown and Brown’s DNA was found on McIlwaine’s jacket. (11) Brown however said that he ‘definitely’ did not have anything to do with the killings and that Burcombe’s testimony was ‘lies’. (12) Brown was given a minimum 30 year sentence for the double murders. (16) He announced that he was to appeal his conviction. (17) However, it is also alleged that other individuals who were involved in the murder have escaped being brought to trial because they were working as police agents. This is principally because it was revealed that a building firm jointly owned by Portadown UVF leader Jameson had received over £11 million in government contracts for work on police stations and prisons. (15) The families had also previously expressed concerns that a baseball cap known to belong to a senior UVF leader in Portadown (as the cap could only be purchased from a specialist store in California where he was known to have gone on holiday) was found near the murder scene. Witnesses near Brown’s house had also said that they had seen more than 6 men and as many as 3 cars. It is argued that Burcombe was told by the UVF to implicate only himself, Brown and Dillon in the murders. (14)
|
[1] Two killed in tit-for-tat loyalist feud, by Michael Prescott, Sunday Times, 20 February 2000 [2] Savage reality of peace, Ulster-style, by John Mullin, Guardian, 26 February 2000 [3] Victims ‘not forgotten’, Irish News, 19 February 2001 [4] Arrest in Tandragee probe, Irish News, 1 March 2002 [5] Family to query murder inquiry, by Sharon O’Neill, Irish News, 15 April 2003 [6] Crimewatch focus on UVF murders, BBC News Online, 02 November 2005 [7] DNA link to killings is revealed, by Christ Thornton, Belfast Telegraph, 27 February 2006 [8] The Law is the same for all, Irish News, 23 May 2004 [9] UVF says feud killings were not sanctioned, Irish News, 13 March 2006 [10] Kelly backs inquiry into fatal double knife attack, by Jarlath Kannedy, Daily Ireland, 14 March 2006 (11) Accused said double killing gave him a buzz, court told, Ashleigh McDonald, Belfast Telegraph, 26/11/08 (12) Man accused of murdering teens say co-accused lied, Irish News, 3/2/09 (13) Witness jailed for ‘conspiracy’, BBC News, 27/6/08 (14) HET probes Haddock links to murder, Barry McCaffrey, Irish News, 4/3/09 (15) Moment of relief for victim’s father, Barry McCaffrey, Irish News, 4/3/09 (16) Son turns killer just like father, Ciaran McGuigan, Belfast Telegraph, 5/4/09 (17) Double killer appeals conviction, BBC News, 25/9/09
|
|
19-Feb-00 |
Andrew Robb |
19 |
M |
P |
LVF? |
UVF |
Tandagree |
Co Armagh |
19-year-old found murdered with David McIlwaine by the side of the road outside Tandagree[1] (see above). Mr Robb was allegedly an LVF ‘groupie’, known to the Tandagree UVF as such. His family, however, rejects the idea that he had any links to paramilitary or drug activity.[2] Johnny Adair and several other local loyalist leaders attended his funeral[3]. The murders were featured on the BBC's Crimewatch, with a £10,000 reward [4] DNA evidence emerged in 2006 providing a possible link to one of the suspects, and Mr McIlwaine (victim's father) has called on the Police Ombudsman to conduct a new inquiry [5] The Sinn Fein policing spokesman Gerry Kelly has backed a full independent inquiry into the circumstances concerning the case [6]
On the evening of the murder, Brown, Burcombe and Noel Dillon were drinking at Brown’s house in Sinton park when McIlwaine and Robb arrived looking for a party. (11)
The group soon began talking about the recent murder of Richard Jameson, described as ‘commander of the UVF in Portadown’. (11) After Robb and McIlwaine allegedly made disparaging comments about Jameson, Brown was said to have threatened to ‘punch the head off’ of them. In the early hours of the morning, the group then agreed to go out in Brown’s Peugeot car and get more drink and drugs. Whilst out, Brown parked the car next to a telephone box and all five got out. Burcombe and McIlwaine walked down the road while Dillon and Brown took Robb ‘for a hiding’ after he had been ‘slabbering’ about Jameson. (11) Burcombe said that he and McIlwaine were soon approached by Brown and Dillon. Brown then attacked McIlwaine who tried unsuccessfully to run away. Brown stamped on McIlwaine whilst he was on the ground and then Dillon pulled out a knife. Brown is then alleged to have said ‘kill the bastard – cut his throat’ and Burcombe says that he saw the pair crouching over McIlwaine making ‘sawing motions’. (11) Brown, Dillon and Burcombe then returned to the car, where Dillon took off his jumper to wipe away the blood. Brown then said ‘I’m going to run over that bastard’s head’. (11) Brown then jumped out of the car with the knife and approached a bleeding McIlwaine. Burcombe says that he remembers a ‘terrible, gasping wheezing noise’. Brown then got back into the car and said ‘That gave me such a buzz. I forgot what it was like to kill’. (11) Both of the victims died after suffering horrific injuries to their throats and stomachs. (12)
|
Loyalist feud |
The Lord Chief Justice (Sir Brian Kerr) criticised the police and the Armagh Coroner for delays in producing documents [6] Mark Robert Burcombe (25) approached the police after the Crimewatch reconstruction [7] Burcombe claimed he was present at the murder along with Steven Brown (previously known as Revels), and Noel Dillon who later committed suicide. Burcombe and Brown are currently on trial for murder [8] The UVF released a statement that the deaths were not sanctioned by them [9] One of the men present at the murder, Mark Burcombe, 28, had come forward to give evidence against Steven Leslie Brown (also known as Steven Revels) and Noel Dillon Burcombe had originally faced murder charges himself but instead a deal was reached whereby in exchange for testifying against Brown (11), Burcombe was sentenced to two years and six months in jail for conspiracy to cause grievous bodily harm. (13) Noel Dillon killed himself in 2005. In Brown’s trial, the prosecutor Gordon Kerr QC described the evidence against Brown as ‘compelling’. This included tyre marks at the murder scene matching the Peugeot car of Brown and Brown’s DNA was found on McIlwaine’s jacket. (11) Brown however said that he ‘definitely’ did not have anything to do with the killings and that Burcombe’s testimony was ‘lies’. (12) Brown was given a minimum 30 year sentence for the double murders. (16) He announced that he was to appeal his conviction. (17) However, it is also alleged that other individuals who were involved in the murder have escaped being brought to trial because they were working as police agents. This is principally because it was revealed that a building firm jointly owned by Portadown UVF leader Jameson had received over £11 million in government contracts for work on police stations and prisons. (15) The families had also previously expressed concerns that a baseball cap known to belong to a senior UVF leader in Portadown (as the cap could only be purchased from a specialist store in California where he was known to have gone on holiday) was found near the murder scene. Witnesses near Brown’s house had also said that they had seen more than 6 men and as many as 3 cars. It is argued that Burcombe was told by the UVF to implicate only himself, Brown and Dillon in the murders. (14)
|
[1] Two killed in tit-for-tat loyalist feud, by Michael Prescott, Sunday Times, 20 February 2000 [2] Savage reality of peace, Ulster-style, by John Mullin, Guardian, 26 February 2000 [3] Victims ‘not forgotten’, Irish News, 19 February 2001 [4] Arrest in Tandragee probe, Irish News, 1 March 2002 [5] Family to query murder inquiry, by Sharon O’Neill, Irish News, 15 April 2003 [6] Crimewatch focus on UVF murders, BBC News Online, 02 November 2005 [7] DNA link to killings is revealed, by Christ Thornton, Belfast Telegraph, 27 February 2006 [8] The Law is the same for all, Irish News, 23 May 2004 [9] UVF says feud killings were not sanctioned, Irish News, 13 March 2006 [10] Kelly backs inquiry into fatal double knife attack, by Jarlath Kannedy, Daily Ireland, 14 March 2006 (11) Accused said double killing gave him a buzz, court told, Ashleigh McDonald, Belfast Telegraph, 26/11/08 (12) Man accused of murdering teens say co-accused lied, Irish News, 3/2/09 (13) Witness jailed for ‘conspiracy’, BBC News, 27/6/08 (14) HET probes Haddock links to murder, Barry McCaffrey, Irish News, 4/3/09 (15) Moment of relief for victim’s father, Barry McCaffrey, Irish News, 4/3/09 (16) Son turns killer just like father, Ciaran McGuigan, Belfast Telegraph, 5/4/09 (17) Double killer appeals conviction, BBC News, 25/9/09
|
|
26-Feb-00 |
Joseph Foran |
38 |
M |
U |
Civilian |
IRA / DAAD |
Dublin |
Republic of Ireland |
Heroin dealer shot by a single .38 bullet fired through the open window of his car as he sat with his girlfriend outside his home. The killing was believed to have been committed by a member of the IRA who came in after complaints about the damage Mr Foran and other drug dealers had done in the community.[1] The victim had been an associate of former Dublin drugs boss PJ Judge who was shot dead in similar circumstances in 1996 [2] |
Drugs-related killing |
[1] No one has been charged in relation to 15 killings carried out by gangs involved in drugs or other crime since 1998, by Jim Cusack, Irish Times, 13 March 2000 |
|
|
29-Apr-00 |
Patrick Neville |
31 |
M |
U |
Civilian |
INLA |
Dublin |
Republic of Ireland |
Found shot in a stairway in a block of flats near his home. His death was possibly in retaliation for the death of INLA member Patrick Campbell in October 1999.[1] |
A man who was killed several months later was questioned about Mr Neville’s killing shortly before his own death[2]. In July 2001, Kevin McLaughlin (36) pleaded guilty to collecting information useful to an unlawful organisation (INLA) regarding the movements of Mr Neville between 1 January and 29 April 2000. He was the first person to be jailed under the new post-Omagh legislation, Section 8(1), of the Offences Against the State (Amendment) Act of 1998, and was sentenced to four years.[3] |
[1] An Index of Deaths from the Conflict in Ireland, by Malcolm Sutton, CAIN web service, <http://cain.ulst.ac.uk/sutton/chron/2000.html> [2] Gardai trawl underworld of Dundalk after two killings, by Clare Murphy, Irish Times, 26 August 2000 [3] Belfast man first jailed under new post-Omagh legislation, Irish News, 7 July 2002 |
|
|
30-Apr-00 |
Thomas Byrne |
41 |
M |
U |
Civilian |
IRA / DAAD |
Dublin |
Republic of Ireland |
Minor drug dealer killed as he sat drinking with friends outside a pub by a lone gunman who walked up to him and shot him. Gardai knew that he had an argument with the man in command of the IRA in Dublin over two years before the killing. Byrne had reportedly offered to pay compensation for the wrong inflicted on the commander, but the offer was refused.[1] An IRA man from north inner Dublin was the prime suspect in the killing[2]. |
Drugs-related killing |
[1] Killings linked to gangland drug war, by Conor Keane, Irish News, 2 May 2000 [2] Flanagan says IRA suspected of killing dealer, by Jim Cusack, Irish Times, 14 June 2000 |
|
|
26-May-00 |
Martin ‘Chin’ Taylor |
35 |
M |
P |
UVF |
Loyalists |
North Belfast |
Co Antrim |
UVF member shot by two gunmen while working outside a house in the loyalist Ballysillan area. Mr Taylor’s death was part of the ongoing loyalist feud between the LVF and UVF.[1] The inquest heard that no organisation claimed responsibility for the killing but police believe it was locally linked to the LVF-UVF feud. [2] |
Loyalist feud |
[1] Hundreds pay tribute to loyalist feud victim, by Jonathan Turner, Irish News, 1 June 2000 [2] Loyalists blamed for murdering dad of two, by Marie Foy, Belfast Telegraph, 12 January 2004 |
|
|
29-May-00 |
Edmund McCoy |
28 |
M |
C |
Civilian |
IRA |
Dunmurry |
Co Antrim |
Well-known figure in the drugs scene shot in the head and stomach at Motte ‘n’ Bailey Bar, Dunmurry, on 28 May 2000. He died a day later. Mr McCoy was once suspected of shooting Johnny Adair, and had been threatened in the past by the IRA.[1] The IRA was blamed from the beginning, and several weeks later, the RUC continued to suspect the IRA was behind the attack[2]. |
Drugs-related killing |
[1] Shot man ‘suspect’ in Adair shooting, by Jonathan Turner and Aeneas Bonner, Irish News, 30 May 2000 [2] IRA can’t be ruled out says Flanagan, Irish News, 14 June 2000 |
|
|
12-Jul-00 |
Andrew (Andy) Cairns |
22 |
M |
P |
UVF |
UDA |
Larne |
Co Antrim |
UVF man surrounded by a crowd, punched and kicked, then shot during a UDA/UVF loyalist feud at an eleventh night bonfire in Larne[1]. |
Loyalist feud |
Three men, ages 21, 27, and 18, were charged with the murder and a 25-year-old woman was charged with assisting the offenders and withholding information. The 21-year-old was allegedly a member of the UDP.[2] A 19-year-old man was charged with assisting the offenders by taking clothing and destroying it[3]. In October 2000, a 28-year-old man was charged with having explosives and a document of use to terrorists, and was believed to be the gunman in the killing[4]. Yet there is insufficient evidence to prove this [5] |
[1] Bonfire murder accused is UDP member, Irish News, 19 July 2000 [2] Bonfire murder accused is UDP member, Irish News, 19 July 2000 [3] 11th killing: man charged, Irish News, 27 July 2000 [4] Bail refused for Larne man, Irish Times, 19 October 2000 [5] PSNI knows the identity of LVF bonfire night killer, by Claire Regan, Belfast Telegraph, 16 December 2003 |
|
28-Jul-00 |
Stephen Connolly |
26 |
M |
U |
Civilian |
INLA? |
Dundalk, Co Louth |
Republic of Ireland |
A Dundalk publican who was shot by a masked gunman as he sat in a parked car with his girlfriend. Mr Connolly was allegedly killed because he refused to pay a gang of criminals protection money. [1] A masked gang of five men, all of whom allegedly had links to INLA, tried to abduct him in March 2000, and it is believed this gang was behind his murder. Gardai now believe he may have murdered by Mr O’Hare, who was killed three weeks later. [2]
The inquest collapsed in 2004 after the families of both men withdrew from proceedings. They asked to cancel the inquest as they had no faith in the police investigation. However they are considering taking the case to the European Court of Human Rights [3] |
[1] Gardai trawl underworld of Dundalk after two killings, by Clare Murphy, Irish Times, 26 August 2000 [2] Families blame police as loyalist murder probe collapses, by Gary Kelly, Irish Examiner, 21 May 2004 [3] Murder suspect was shot twice in each eye, by Elaine Keogh, Irish Independent, 11 February 2003 |
||
|
19-Aug-00 |
Nicholas (Nicky) O’Hare |
34 |
M |
C |
Former INLA |
Republicans |
Dundalk, Co Louth |
Republic of Ireland |
Shot at least eight times, including two shots in each eye, in the street in Dundalk, possibly as part of an INLA feud. It is believed that O’Hare murdered Dundalk publican Stephen Connolly three weeks earlier because he refused to pay protection money.[1] Gardai had arrested O’Hare in relation to the April 2000 murder of Patrick Neville, who died as part of a feud between a Dublin gang and INLA. They also suspect that his murder can be linked to the murder of INLA member Patrick Campbell in October 1999.[2] The Irish Times, however, reported that he was killed by the IRA for suspected involvement in crime[3]. |
[1] ‘Mad Nick’ O’Hare dies in hail of bullets, by Elaine Keogh, Irish Independent, 21 August 2000 [2] Gardai have open minds as to killers of ‘Shavo’ Hogan, by Jim Cusack, Irish Times, 17 July 2001 |
||
|
21-Aug-00 |
Jackie Coulter |
48 |
M |
P |
UDA |
UVF |
North Belfast |
Co Antrim |
A prominent member of the UDA shot with Bobby Mahood while sitting in a stationary jeep on the Crumlin Road during the UDA/UVF feud which broke out the previous weekend on the Shankill Road. The UVF was blamed for the killings.[1] |
Loyalist feud |
In October 2000, two men were arrested and questioned by the police presumably in relation to the killings[2]. In January 2001, however, Mr Coulter’s daughter said no one had been convicted, despite the fact that the police knew who the killers were[3]. The inquest collapsed in 2004 after the families of both men withdrew from proceedings. They asked to cancel the inquest as they had no faith in the police investigation. However they are considering taking the case to the European Court of Human Rights [4]. |
[1] Shot men linked to opposing factions, by Alan Erwin and Anne Madden, Irish News, 22 August 2000 [2] Two quizzed on loyalist feud deaths, by Sharon O’Neill, Irish News, 17 October 2000 [3] Forgotten victims of the feud, by Nell McKnight, Irish News, 30 January 2001 [4].Families blame police as loyalist murder probe collapsed, by Gary Kelly, Irish Examiner, 21 May 2004 |
|
21-Aug-00 |
Robert (Bobby or Robbie) Mahood |
48 |
M |
P |
UVF |
UVF |
North Belfast |
Co Antrim |
Brother of UVF leader Jackie Mahood, who survived an assassination attempt a month before Bobby’s death, killed with friend Jackie Coulter while sitting in a stationary jeep on the Crumlin Road[1] (see above). UVF sources reportedly said Mr Mahood’s death was an accident[2]. |
Loyalist feud |
The inquest collapsed in 2004 after the families of both men withdrew from proceedings. They asked to cancel the inquest as they had no faith in the police investigation. However they are considering taking the case to the European Court of Human Rights [1] |
[1] Shot men linked to opposing factions, by Alan Erwin and Anne Madden, Irish News, 22 August 2000 [2] Funeral of man killed by ‘mistake’, by Steven McCaffrey, Irish News, 25 August 2000 [3] Families blame police as loyalist murder probe collapses, by Gary Kelly, Irish Examiner, 21 May 2004 [4].Families blame police as loyalist murder probe collapsed, by Gary Kelly, Irish Examiner, 21 May 2004 |
|
23-Aug-00 |
Samuel Rocket |
21 |
M |
P |
UVF |
UDA |
North Belfast |
Co Antrim |
UVF man shot in front of his girlfriend and daughter while in their home in Lower Oldpark. The killing was in retaliation for the shootings of Jackie Coulter and Bobby Mahood two days earlier.[1] Less than a week later, his home was set on fire, allegedly by the UVF after they had moved Mr Rocket’s girlfriend out of the house[2]. The inquest was told by Detective Superintendent Arnold McAllister that there was no evidence connecting Rocket to the UVF, and as of 2003 no group had admitted to the killing [3] |
Loyalist feud |
[1] Feud victim is given paramilitary sendoff, Irish News, 28 August 2000 [2] Girl’s shooting may be linked to feud, by Gerry Moriarty and Suzanne Breen, Irish Times, 29 August 2000 [3] Loyalist feud victim was a 'completely innocent man' Irish News, 04 October 2003 |
|
|
29-Sep-00 |
Patrick Quinn |
32 |
M |
C |
Civilian |
IRA / DAAD |
Magherafelt |
Co Derry |
Singled out and shot by two gunmen while having a drink in the Depot Bar. No one immediately claimed responsibility for the murder, but sources pointed to DAAD. Mr Quinn was a close associate of Brendan Campbell, who was killed by DAAD in February 1998.[1] The IRA reportedly used a new gun, with no ballistic tracing, in Mr Quinn’s killing[2]. |
Drugs-related killing |
[1] Pub shooting victim is buried, by Seamus McKinney, Irish News, 3 October 2000 [2] Inspectors are expected to verify that IRA weapons remain unused, by Jim Cusack, Irish Times, 26 October 2000 |
|
|
13-Oct-00 |
Joseph O’Connor |
26 |
M |
C |
RIRA |
IRA |
West Belfast |
Co Antrim |
RIRA man shot 10 times with a .38 revolver and 9mm pistol by two hooded men while sitting in a stationary car outside his mother’s home in Ballymurphy. Mr O’Connor’s brother-in-law, who was in the car at the time, knew the identity of the killers but refused to co-operate with the police for fear of his safety.[1] Immediately after the murder, two IRA men publicly announced that Mr O’Connor was killed by the IRA, then immediately were denounced by Sinn Féin and were targeted themselves[2]. Mr O’Connor’s widow blames the murder on the IRA, and an investigating officer stated in October 2002 that the police believe the IRA was responsible[3]. The IRA reportedly used a new gun with no ballistic ‘traces’ in Mr O’Connor’s killing[4]. In 2003, graffiti sprayed on a wall in Belfast indicated that Mr O’Connor was killed because he threatened to expose Stakeknife[5]. The victim was the grandson of Francisco Notarantonio who was shot dead 15 years earlier in a loyalist attack [6] |
The police investigation was criticised after revelations that no-one was ever questioned, despite identification of suspects[1]
|
[1] O’Connor murder: call for fresh police report, by Sharon O’Neill, Irish News, 18 October 2002 [2] An Illusory Peace in Northern Ireland; Five Years After Good Friday Pact, Conflict Still Simmers Behind Calm Façade, by Glenn Frankel, Washington Post, 4 May 2003 [3] Police taken to task over murder of RIRA chief, by Sharon O’Neill, Irish News, 17 October 2002 [4] Inspectors are expected to verify that IRA weapons remain unused, by Jim Cusack, Irish Times, 26 October 2000 [5] From feared IRA chief to assassination target, by Thomas Harding, Ted Oliver and Sean O'Neill, Daily Telegraph, 12 May 2003 [6] O'Connor murder: call for fresh police report, by Sharon O'Neill, Irish News, 18 October 2002 |
|
|
28-Oct-00 |
David Greer |
21 |
M |
P |
UDA |
UVF |
North Belfast |
Co Antrim |
UDA man shot once in the chest while walking along Mountcollyer Street, Tiger’s Bay. The killing was part of the loyalist feud.[1] |
Loyalist feud |
[1] Victim goes to grave with UFF flag, by Billy Foley, Irish News, 2 November 2000 |
|
|
31-Oct-00 |
Herbert (Bertie) Rice |
63 |
M |
P |
UVF |
UDA |
North Belfast |
Co Antrim |
Beaten with baseball bats, then shot in front of his wife at his home in Tiger’s Bay. The assault was part of the loyalist feud, and thought to be a reprisal for the killing of UDA member David Greer.[1] Rice had only been living in Northern Ireland for 10 months, having spent the previous 19 years in South Africa [2] |
Loyalist feud |
[1] Man dies after ‘reprisal’ shooting, BBC News, 31 October 2000 |
|
|
31-Oct-00 |
Tommy English |
40 |
M |
P |
UDA |
UVF |
Newtownabbey |
Co Antrim |
Shot three times in the chest by four masked UVF gunman as he lay on the sofa in his living room several hours after Bertie Rice was killed. The killing was in retaliation for the death of Bertie Rice as part of the ongoing loyalist feud.[1] The victim's wife was injured (fractured skull) whilst trying to protect him [2] Tommy English had been a UDA leader. His death was as a result of a feud with the rival UVF, in which 7 people died (3) It is alleged that a four man UVF team went to English’s house to carry out the murder (Haddock, Higgins, Laffin and Wood). One member carried a sledgehammer, another a shotgun and Wood agreed to carry out the killing with a handgun. (7)
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Loyalist feud |
A number of people were questioned in the murder, but as of March 2003, no one had been charged[2]. Robert John Stewart, 35, and David Ian Stewart, 39, are given life sentences for aiding and abetting in the murder. (4) They had originally faced a murder charge, but after agreeing to give further information against other UVF members, this charge was reduced. (6) The arrests came as a result of Nuala O’Loan’s (Police Ombudsman) request for the Historical Enquiries Team to examine the case. (5) As a result of the police statements of the Stewart brothers, Mark Haddock was charged with the murder of Tommy English. It was also revealed that he had been working as a Special Branch agent for 12 years. (6) Three other members of the UVF have also appeared in court facing the same murder charges. These included Samuel Higgins, 32, Philip Laffin, 31, Alex Wood, 32 (who allegedly fired the shots). In total 11 people were charged with various offences connected to the murder. (8)
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[1] Wife of UDA boss injured in struggle, Irish News, 27 March 2003 [2] Wife of UDA boss injured in struggle, Irish News, 27 March 2003 (3) Haddock to face murder questions, Barry McCaffrey, Irish News, 7 Aug 2008 (4) Brothers jailed over English murder, UTV News, 26 June 2009 (5) Brothers are charged with feud murder of UDA boss, Chris Thornton, Belfast Telegraph, 8 Aug 2008 (6) English murder – 5 charged, Barry McCaffrey, Irish News, 22 Jan 2009 (7) Bail refused in UDA murder case, BBC News, 26 March 2009 (8) Man arrested over English murder, BBC News, 28 April 2009
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01-Nov-00 |
Mark Quail |
26 |
M |
P |
UVF |
UDA |
Newtownabbey |
Co Antrim |
Shot at least eleven times in the head and chest in his home on the outskirts of Belfast as part of the loyalist feud[1]. A UDA member who became the new leader of the South East Antrim Brigade of the UDA in February 2000 was reportedly involved with the shooting[2]. Quail had previously been sentenced for three years in jail for his part in the attack on the Golden Hind Bar [3] |
Loyalist feud |
Five men were questioned, but no one was ever charged with the murder[3]. |
[1] Loyalist killer was asked to stop after at least 11 shots, Irish News, 10 June 2003 [2] New UDA brigadier link to McColgan and Quail murders, by Stephen McGoldrick, Irelandclick.com, 28 February 2003 [3] Loyalist killer was asked to stop after at least 11 shots, Irish News, 10 June 2003 [4] Killing linked to loyalist feud, BBC News, 02 November 2000 |
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05-Dec-00 |
Trevor Kell |
35 |
M |
P |
Civilian |
IRA? |
North Belfast |
Co Antrim |
Taxi driver shot once in the head in Ardoyne on Crumlin Road shortly after being lured by a bogus pick up call to a house. The IRA and the dissident RIRA and CIRA denied any connections to the murder.[1] Sinn Féin accused loyalists of committing the crime, but the RUC blamed republicans[2]. The UDA, UVF and Red Hand Commando issued a joint statement denying involvement [3] The Chief Constable stated that he believed republican paramilitaries were behind the murder [4] |
A few days after being released, a 22-year-old republican who had been held for questioning about the murder was injured in a paramilitary-style attack, receiving shots in the wrists, ankles, and elbow, allegedly by the IRA[3]. In late December 2000, police stated that this man was an IRA prisoner who had been freed under the Good Friday Agreement shortly before the murder, and admitted that they believed he was involved in the killing[4]. |
[1] IRA shoots man held in Kell case, by Sharon O’Neill, Irish News, 22 December 2000 [2] Freed IRA man linked to murder, Sunday Times, 24 December 2000 [3] IRA shoots man held in Kell case, by Sharon O’Neill, Irish News, 22 December 2000 [4] Freed IRA man linked to murder, Sunday Times, 24 December 2000 [5] Belfast murder not 'feud related', BBC News, 06 December 2000 [6] Police Chief accuses paramilitary killers, BBC News, 07 December 2000 |
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06-Dec-00 |
Gary Moore |
30 |
M |
C |
Civilian |
UDA |
Newtownabbey |
Co Antrim |
Builder shot four times in the head and body while working on building site in a loyalist housing estate in Monkstown, Newtownabbey, apparently in reprisal for the murder of Trevor Kell. Another Catholic, Paul Scullion, was seriously injured outside a taxi depot in Oldpark Road 15 minutes later.[1] One report connected the murder to associates of John Gregg, the UDA commander who was killed in February 2003[2]. |
[1] Funeral of loyalist gun attack victim, by Seamus McKinney, Irish News, 9 December 2000 [2] Retaliation seems inevitable, just a question of when, by Suzanne Breen, Irish Times, 3 February 2003 |
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17-Dec-00 |
James William Rockett |
29 |
M |
P |
Loyalist (UDA?) |
UDA |
North Belfast |
Co Antrim |
Body found shot with a single bullet wound to the back of his head on waste ground in Ballysillan. The victim had loyalist tattoos on his body and £2,000 cash in his pocket.[1] Shortly after the murder, police stated that they believed Mr Rockett was possibly a victim of a dispute unconnected to the loyalist feud. A senior UDP leader blamed drug dealers for the killing.[2] |
Loyalist feud? |
[1] ‘Loyalist link’ to Belfast murder, BBC News, 18 December 2000 [2] ‘Criminal’ element blamed for killing, by Billy Foley, Irish News, 19 December 2000 |
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28-Dec-00 |
Ronald Hill |
68 |
M |
U |
Civilian |
IRA |
Enniskillen |
Co Fermanagh |
Victim of 1987 Enniskillen bombing who went into a coma two days after he was injured in the bombing. Mr Hill died after spending 13 years in a coma.[1] On the 10th anniversary of the bomb (which killed 11 people), Sinn Fein leader Gerry Adams said he was "deeply sorry about what happened" [2] |
[1] Poppy day bombing victim dies, by Todd R. Nicholls, Irish News, 29 December 2000 [2] CAIN: A Chronology of the Conflict (1997) http//cain.ulst.ac.uk |
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