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Date |
Name |
Age |
Sex |
Reli-gion |
Affili-ation |
Alleged Perpe-trator |
Location Town / Area |
Location County / Country |
Details |
Category |
Arrests / Prosecutions |
Sources |
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03-Jan-02 |
William Campbell |
19 |
M |
P |
UDA |
Self inflicted |
Coleraine |
Co Derry |
Teenager died in an alley behind his home when a pipe bomb he was handling exploded. An electronic timer was used in the pipe bomb, which indicated that such bombs might be used in the future as booby trap devices.[1] His death was at the height of a UDA campaign of pipe bomb attacks on Catholics in the area. In August 2002 the UDA erected a memorial in his memory.[2] |
[1] Teenager ‘was member of UDA. (Seamus McKinney). Irish News, 5 January 2002 [2] UDA tribute to teen ‘own-goal’ bomber. (Ciaran McGuigan), Belfast Telegraph, 25 August 2002 |
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12-Jan-02 |
Daniel McColgan |
20 |
M |
C |
Civilian |
UDA |
North Belfast |
Co Antrim |
20-year-old Catholic postman shot by two gunmen as he reported for work in the loyalist Rathcoole estate. In February 2002, the police took the unusual step of offering a £20,000 reward, which was provided by a number of groups, in an attempt to catch the loyalist killers.[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]. Four years after the killing, a spokesperson for the PSNI said that detectives remained determined to bring the killers to justice. However a local priest claimed the police are protecting them as they are informers [3] Four years after the killing, a spokesperson for the PSNI said that detectives remained determined to bring the killers to justice. However a local priest claimed the police are protecting the suspects as they are informers. [4] |
As of July 2003, no one had been charged with the murder[3]. |
[1] £20,000 for information on killers, by Sharon O’Neill, Irish News, 26 February 2002[2] New UDA brigadier link to McColgan and Quail murders, by Stephen McGoldrick, Irelandclick.com, 28 February 2003[3] Grief and friendship unite families of murder victims, by Sharon O’Neill, Irish News, 16 July 2003[4] Man's killers are agents, by Ciaran Barnes, Daily Ireland, 31 January 2006 [4] Man’s killers are agents, by Ciaran Barnes, Daily Ireland, 31/01/2006 |
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16-Jan-02 |
Stephen McCullough |
39 |
M |
P |
UDA |
UDA? |
North Belfast |
Co Antrim |
Mr McCullough’s body was found at the bottom of Cavehill a few days after Daniel McColgan’s murder. He had reportedly told the police he had some information about Mr McColgan’s death, but he died before he could be interviewed. Shortly before his death, the PSNI arrested him for suspected drunk driving and, upon his release, offered him a lift home, which he refused.[1] His case is being investigated by Police Ombudsman Nuala O’Loan[2]. |
[1] £20,000 for information on killers, by Sharon O’Neill, Irish News, 26 February 2002[2] Loyalist’s death to be probed by O’Loan, by Barry McCaffrey, Irish News, 21 January 2002 |
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21-Feb-02 |
Matthew Burns |
26 |
M |
C |
Civilian |
IRA? |
Castlewellan |
Co Down |
Died in his car just after 7:00 pm on the Burren Bridge Road near Castlewellan when gunmen opened fire on the car. His brother Patrick was also shot in the chest and arm but managed to crawl to a pub for help. The victim was said to have links to drugs. He had been severely beaten in the past and was also the victim of a pipe bomb attack in Newcastle in 2001.[1] The IRA was blamed, but Sinn Féin denied any mainstream republican involvement in the killing.[2] At the inquest, the PSNI said that he was shot dead as part of a personal vendetta, after an incident with a group of republicans, and that all drug-related allegations were a ‘smokescreen’’ [5] |
Three people who were arrested in connection with the killing were released without charge[3]. In November 2003 eight men were arrested in connection with the murder, but all were released without charge.[4] |
[1] Man was murdered in revenge allegation, by Liz Trainor, Irish News, 23 February 2002[2] Republicans deny IRA involved, by Kieran McDaid and PA News, Irish News, 23 February 2002[3] No charges brought in Burns case, Irish News, 27 June 2002[4] Eight released in murder inquiry, BBC TV News, 12 November 2003 [5] Appeal after murdered son smeared as ‘dealer’, by Philip Bradfield, Newsletter, 13/04/2005
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17-Apr-02 |
Brian (Barney) McDonald |
51 |
M |
C |
Civilian |
Unknown |
near Dungannon |
Co Tyrone |
Catholic taxi driver shot four times by two gunmen shortly before 11pm after being called to pick up a fare at a snooker club in Donaghmore, near Dungannon. Though the Red Hand Defenders claimed responsibility, Mr McDonald’s family has said they think republicans are behind the killing because of the family’s history of feuding with the IRA. Six weeks earlier Mr McDonald had been in a fight with an IRA man, and his life had been threatened by the IRA. One son was injured in an IRA punishment beating two years earlier.[1] On the day of the killing one of his sons allegedly threatened someone’s life and another son attempted to dispose of the mobile telephone used. They were charged for these actions, but were released on bail to attend their father’s funeral.[2] Following mixed police reports and missing files, his family believe the police are protecting an informer [3] The Police Ombudsman carried out an investigation into the family’s allegations, and concluded that the police had conducted a proper and thorough investigation. The case is currently being investigated by the Serious Crime Review Team. [5]
|
A well-known Dungannon republican who had been jailed in the 1980s for arms and explosives offences was arrested and questioned about the murder, but was released without charge[3]. |
[1] Family of Co Tyrone taxi-driver blame IRA for his killing, by Suzanne Breen, Irish Times, 19 April 2002[2] Murdered man’s sons are bailed, BBC News, 18 April 2002[3] Man held over taxi killing is released, by Roddy McGregor, Irish News, 22 April 2002[4] 'PSNI accused of cover-up in a taxi-driver murder case' by Bimpe Fatogun, Irish News, 15 November 2005 [5] Slain cabbie’s family make cover-up claims, by Ciaran McGuigan, Belfast Telegraph, 02/04/2006 |
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10-Jun-02 |
Mark ‘Swinger’ Fulton |
42 |
M |
P |
LVF |
Self inflicted |
Mughaberry prison, near Lisburn |
Co Antrim |
Found dead in his cell in Mughaberry prison, lying on his bed with a leather belt around his neck, without a note. Two post-mortem examinations ruled that it was suicide.[1] The Irish News alleged that Mr Fulton had links to twelve sectarian killings, including the murder of solicitor Rosemary Nelson. The year before his death he had denied that he was involved in killing journalist Martin O’Hagan.[2] |
[1] Loyalist leaders unite for LVF funeral, by Simon Doyle, Irish News, 15 June 2002[2] Fulton linked to 12 sectarian killings, by Sharon O’Neill, Irish News, 11 June 2002 |
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22-Jul-02 |
Gerard Lawlor |
19 |
M |
C |
Civilian |
UFF / UDA |
North Belfast |
Co Antrim |
Catholic shot at least five times near his Whitewell Road home just after midnight following a day and night of rioting in north Belfast. The death presumably came in retaliation for the injuring of a 19-year-old Protestant man and after another Catholic was wounded by a gunshot. Mr Lawlor was targeted because he was wearing a Glasgow Celtic jersey.[1] The UFF claimed responsibility for the murder[2]. In August 2002 it was speculated that he was killed by the same weapon used to murder Sam Rockett in the loyalist feud in August 2000[3]. In July 2003, police said they knew who killed him, but there was no prospect of charges because they did not have enough evidence to convict. The Detective Superintendent said that the LVF, acting on the orders of the UFF Shankill ‘C company,’ is suspected of being behind the murder.[4] |
No arrests had been made and no houses searched as of July 2003, because, according to police, the silence in the loyalist community has prevented them from gathering enough evidence to charge anyone[5]. The PSNI publicly admitted they knew the identity of the killers but did not have sufficient evidence to convict them. [6] |
[1] No rest for the guns, by Henry McDonald, Sunday Observer, 28 July 2002[2] A catalogue of murder, by Barry McCaffrey, Irish News, 23 July 2002[3] Hutchinson confirms murder weapon claims, by Allison Morris, Irelandclick.com, 9 August 2002[4] We know who killed Gerard say police, by Sharon O’Neill, Irish News, 16 July 2003[5] Wall of silence shields Gerard’s killers, by Sharon O’Neill, Irish News, 16 July 2003[6] Murder probe ‘still active’ two years on, by Sharon O’Neill, Irish News, 15/07/2004 |
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01-Aug-02 |
David Caldwell |
51 |
M |
P |
Former UDR |
RIRA |
Derry |
Co Derry |
51-year-old construction worker and former UDR soldier killed when he picked up an explosives-laden lunch box at the Territorial Army base in Derry. The Real IRA claimed responsibility for the murder three weeks later.[1] |
Five people who were immediately arrested and questioned over the murder were released without charge[2]. Another man was arrested and questioned the following week[3], and two more were arrested a week later following ten house searches in Derry. All three were released without charge.[4] The PSNI admitted they knew the identity of the killers but did not have sufficient evidence to convict them. [5] |
[1] Real IRA carried out murder, by Roddy McGregor, Irish News, 22 August 2002[2] Murder hunt: five freed, Belfast Telegraph, 4 August 2002[3] Man arrested over booby-trap murder, Irish Times, 8 August 2002[4] Two released – no charges, Irish News, 16 August 2002[5] Call to seize Real IRA unit, by Ciaran O’Neill, Belfast Telegraph, 05/02/2004 |
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12-Aug-02 |
Christopher Whitson |
20 |
M |
C |
Civilian |
Loyalists |
Portrush |
Co Antrim |
Died in hospital following a sectarian attack on 4 August 2002 outside Kelly’s nightclub in Portrush, where he had been celebrating his brother’s birthday[1]. The attack allegedly began when Mr Whitson was identified as a Catholic[2]. |
In 2002, three men, ages 23, 20, and 28, were charged with murder in connection with the attack. All three were released on bail in September 2002.[3] Gary Davison (31) and Gilliam rose Agnew (24) were found guilty of manslaughter. Davison was sentenced to 3 years and Agnew for 18 months, plus one year probation for both [4] Gary Davison (31) and Gillian rose Agnew (24) were found guilty of manslaughter. Davison was sentenced to 3 years and Agnew for 18 months, plus one year probation for both [4] |
[1] Sectarian assault victim ‘had bright future ahead’, by Tony Bailie, Irish News, 14 August 2002[2] Arrests over student attack, by William Scholes, Irish News, 10 August 2002[3] Murder accused given bail, Irish News, 7 September 2002[4] Two jailed for manslaughter for student in club car park, Irish News Online, 29 June 2005 [4] Two jailed for manslaughter of student in club car park, Irish News Online, 29/06/2005 |
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13-Sep-02 |
Stephen Warnock |
35 |
M |
P |
LVF |
UDA |
Newtownards |
Co Down |
Leading LVF member shot by two people on a motorcycle as he sat in his car with his 3-year-old daughter and another man outside of a school. The killing was the beginning of another upsurge in the loyalist feud. Following Mr Warnock’s death, UDA leader Jim Gray was shot and wounded by an LVF gunman in retaliation.[1] Jim Johnston, who was killed in May 2003, was suspected of driving the motorcycle used in Mr Warnock’s murder[2]. In May 2003, police released CD-fit images of three men linked to the murder[3]. One LVF figure said at the time that he thought the killing was linked to the murder of Terry Enright in 1998[4]. At the inquiry, the victim’s brother named the former drugs baron Jon Johnston, (who was later killed), as the driver of the motorbike. [5] |
Loyalist feud |
[1] Loyalist on witness protection programme, UTV, 21 September 2002[2] Murder tarnishes image of Ulster's smart Gold Coast, by David Lister, The Times, 10 May 2003[3] Police hunt trio over killing of LVF drug baron, by Ashleigh Wallace, Belfast Telegraph, 12 May 2003[4] Drug feud motive suspected in shooting of loyalist paramilitary, by Rosie Cowan, Guardian, 14 September 2002[5] Drug boss ‘helped murder LVF man’, Belfast Telegraph, 18/08/2005 |
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04-Oct-02 |
Geoffrey ‘Greyhound’ Gray |
41 |
M |
P |
LVF |
UDA |
East Belfast |
Co Antrim |
Shot once by a lone gunman on Ravenhill Avenue shortly before midnight. A friend of his survived an assassination attempt the following day.[1] Mr Gray was a close associate of Billy Wright who joined the LVF at its formation in 1996[2]. He was also allegedly a drug dealer and an ally of Johnny Adair[3]. Mr Gray had allegedly begun to give information to journalist Martin O’Hagan after the death of Adrian Lampf[4]. The coroner at the inquest described Gray as being on the fringes of both the LVF in Portadown, and the UDA in east Belfast [6] |
Loyalist feud |
The UDA Brigadier for East Belfast (no relation), was arrested and questioned in relation to the murder. This man had been shot in the face by the LVF in September 2002 in retaliation for the murder of Stephen Warnock.[5] |
[1] Murder bid bike is focus of appeal, by Aisling McCrea, Irish News, 7 December 2002[2] Loyalists kill top LVF man, The People, 7 October 2002[3] Where next?, by Liam Clarke and Lucy Adams, Sunday Times, 9 February 2003[4] Greyhound Gray turned informer after killing, by Mike Browne, The People, 18 October 2002[5] Where next?, by Liam Clarke and Lucy Adams, Sunday Times, 9 February 2003[6] Loyalist’s murder a mystery says coroner, Irish News, 06/09/2005 |
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11-Nov-02 |
Thomas Johnston |
24 |
M |
P |
Civilian |
UDA? |
West Belfast |
Co Antrim |
A BMW pulled up beside Mr Johnston and his female friend on 10 November 2002 as they walked home in the early hours in Boundary way on the lower Shankill estate. A man got out of the car and began to assault Mr Johnston with a heavy object, then kicked him as his body lay on the ground. His friend was also hit across the face in the attack.[1] Mr Johnston’s body was exhumed for further examination in February 2003[2]. |
In February 2003, a 34-year-old man was being held for questioning about the murder[3]. |
[1] Police revisit murder scene, by Patricia O’Hara, Irish News, 18 November 2002[2] Victim’s body is exhumed, Irish News, 17 February 2003[3] Man is held over murder, Irish News, 13 February 2003 |
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25-Nov-02 |
Stephen Byrne |
39 |
M |
C |
Dissident republican? |
RIRA? |
Dublin |
Republic of Ireland |
Mr Byrne was killed by single shot to the back of the head and his body was found lying face down in woods outside Tallaght, Dublin. Gardai suspect that he was a contract killer. He was due to be sentenced for firearms offences. He was also reportedly targeted a month before his murder, when a gunman entered a pub where Mr Byrne was drinking and fired a single shot. Detectives in the case believe Mr Byrne may have been killed in retaliation for a previous attack, possibly a July attack on a house in Inchicore for which Mr Byrne was to be sentenced shortly.[1] |
[1] Murder ‘may have been retaliation’, by Valerie Robinson, Irish News, 28 November 2002 |
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30-Nov-02 |
Mark Apsley |
38 |
M |
P |
Civilian |
UDA |
Ballygowan |
Co Down |
Shot early Saturday evening at his home in Ballygowan, Co Down. As Mr Apsley came to the door, the gunman opened fire through the glass panel and shot him up to six times. Mr Apsley was rumoured to have had a personal dispute with an east Belfast UDA leader. The UDA was the main suspect in the investigation, based on information about the personal dispute.[1] |
[1] UDA ‘main suspects’ for murder of father, by Barry McCaffrey, Irish News, 2 December 2002 |
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25-Dec-02 |
David Cupples |
25 |
M |
P |
Civilian |
UDA? |
North Belfast |
Co Antrim |
25-year-old civilian kitchen porter at Girdwood army base died three days after he was found lying in the street with serious head injuries on 22 December 2002. The injuries were sustained while Mr Cupples was on walking to work through a predominantly loyalist area. Mr Cupples may have been mistaken for a Catholic, as the man accused of murder reportedly told friends that he had ‘got a Taig’[1] and Mr Cupples was killed while walking in the direction of nationalist Cliftonville Road. PSNI said there were similarities with the attack on Thomas Johnston.[2] |
William Alan Hill was charged with the murder in January 2003 and refused bail in March 2003[3].
His brother was charged with attempting to dispose of clothing with intent to impede an investigation[4].
Two 20-year-olds were charged with assisting offenders in the murder[5]. One of them was also charged with trying to dispose of video evidence[6].
In January 2005, Hill admitted to the murder and was sentenced to life imprisonment. He was subsequently ordered to serve minimum of thirteen years.[7] His brother, Edward David Hill, admitted assisting an offender, and Brian Andrew Dickson and Darren Paul pled guilty to charges of withholding information. [8]
William Hill was later sentenced to 11 years for his part in a pipe-bomb attack on an SDLP constituency office [9] |
[1] ‘Taig’ victim a Protestant, Irish News, 7 March 2003[2] Killers thought victim was Catholic: police, by Barry McCaffrey, Irish News, 27 December 2002[3] ‘Taig’ victim a Protestant, Irish News, 7 March 2003[4] Brothers face charges over Christmas killing, Irish News, 7 January 2003[5] Third arrest in murder probe, by Brian Campbell, Irish News, 2 January 2003[6] Postal worker held in murder hearing, Irish News, 4 January 2003[7] Loyalist thug who murdered young chef jailed for 13 years, Irish News, 27 April 2005 [8] Man jailed for life for porter murder, UTV News, 31 January 2005 [9] Murderer jailed for pipe bombing SDLP office, Irish News, 18/05/2005 |
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27-Dec-02 |
Jonathan Stewart |
22 |
M |
P |
Civilian |
UDA Adair faction |
North Belfast |
Co Antrim |
Singled out in the kitchen of a house in north Belfast after a party and shot twice in head by a hooded gunman[1]. Mr Stewart had no paramilitary ties personally, but his uncle, a former close associate of Johnny Adair, had recently been in a dispute with Adair’s UDA ‘C company’ faction after being accused of siphoning UDA funds. The family, including Mr Stewart’s girlfriend, had been targeted in recent months with arson attacks, automatic fire at homes, etc.[2] |
Loyalist feud |
A 23-year-old man who was held for questioning shortly after the murder was released without charge. A 64-year-old man had also been arrested and released without charge. Twelve houses had been searched in the investigation.[3] On 15 January 2003, a 17-year-old was charged with possessing a firearm in suspicious circumstances and having a blank firearm and balaclava for terrorist purposes. He was remanded into custody.[4] On 25 July 2003, a 23-year-old, Wayne Stephen Dowie, was charged with Mr Stewart’s murder and remanded into custody[5]. In March 2005, the case against Dowie collapsed. [6] |
[1] 22-year-old ‘killed for his family ties’, by Barry McCaffrey, Irish News, 28 December 2002[2] No mediation in sight as UDA bloodletting continues, by Barry McCaffrey, Irish News, 28 December 2002[3] Murder suspect leaves custody, by Brian Campbell, Irish News, 4 January 2003[4] Teen held in custody, Irish News, 16 January 2003[5] Man charged with murder, BBC News, 26 July 2003[6] Dowie murder trial aborted, UTV News, 7 March 2005 |
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