CONFLICT RELATED DEATHS
2009

Date

Name

Age

Sex

Reli-gion

Affili-ation

Alleged Perpe-trator

Location Town / Area

Location County / Country

Details

Category

Arrests / Prosecutions

Sources

Woodland, Prehen, Waterside

Derry, Northern Ireland

Two masked men burst into James McConnell’s house at around midnight and fired several shots at him. They then escaped in a light-coloured car, headed in the direction of Derry City. (1)   

Two other men who were present in the flat at the time of the shooting escaped unharmed. Police believe that both of the men were carrying handguns and that one was also carrying a sledgehammer. (2)

 James McConnell died shortly after being taken to Altnagelvin hospital. (3)

James McConnell had been released from prison, about a year prior to his death, having served 18 months of a three-year sentence for the possession of drugs with intent to supply. (2) Police said several lines of inquiry were being pursued. These include the possible involvement of republican and vigilante groups, including the newly formed Republican Action Against Drugs group and the Irish Republican Liberation Army (IRLA), and the possibility of a drugs-related motive. (2)

(3) The INLA have officially claimed that they were behind the shooting. At the same time, they have insisted that the INLA ceasefire continued to hold and denied claims that they are involved in the drugs trade. (4)

The Irish Times claimed that James McConnell “was murdered just two weeks after public statements from dissident Republican paramilitary groups, under the cover name of Community Action Against Drugs, threatened to take what they called direct action against alleged drugs dealers.“ (5)

The Continuity IRA had issued death threats to a number of civilians in Derry prior to the incident. (6)

DUP MLA William Hay said he believed dissident republicans are to blame. (7)  

Sinn Fein condemned the murder.  MLA Raymond McCartney described it as a “gangland style killing.” (8)

1. Man gunned down by masked gang, Brendan McDaid, Belfast Telegraph, 11 Feb 2009

2. INLA behind murder of drug dealer, Seamus McKinney, Irish News, 14 Feb 2009 

3. Derry murder probe to investigate possible link to drugs and dissidents, Seamus McKinney, Irish News, 12 Feb 2009

4. INLA claims responsibility for murder of Derry drug dealer, Suzanne Breen, Tribune, 15 Feb, 2009

5. Police investigate fatal shooting of Derry drug dealer, George Jackson, Irish Times, 12 Feb 2009 

6.  Dissidents behind Londonderry shooting, Belfast Today, 11 Feb 2009

7. Catholic man killed at home in Northern Ireland, Herald Tribune, 11 Feb 2008

8. Derry Murder: Victim Named, Derry Journal, 11 Feb 2009

Real IRA

Massereene Barracks

Antrim

The shooting happened at 9:40 pm.  [1]

The perpetrators were aware that the soldiers had a regular routine of ordering pizza on a Saturday night. [2]

It is understood that either a car or a van pulled outside the main gates to the army barracks; soldiers, believing that pizzas were being delivered, walked into the ambush. [3]

According to RTE, the gunmen got past the base’s checkpoint in a taxi and then opened fire. [4]

After the first burst of gunfire, the gunmen shot again at the victims as they lay on the ground.  [5]

Two men were also injured in the attack, both of whom worked for Domino’s Pizza; they were named as Anthony Watson and an unnamed Polish man in his 30s. [6] 

Local people reported hearing loud bangs and fireworks lighting up the sky at the time of the shooting.  [7]

The gunmen escaped in a Vauxhall Cavalier. [8]

The car was later found near Randalstown, close to the M1 motorway which goes to Belfast.  [9

The car, used by the perpetrators, was sold two weeks ago and was discovered shortly after 11pm on Saturday night.  [10]

The Real IRA claimed the murders following a call to the Dublin-based Sunday Tribune, using a recognised code word.[11]  

The male caller claimed responsibility on behalf of the South Antrim Brigade. [12]

The gunmen were believed to have been operating out of Belfast and Lurgan. [13]

There has been controversy over the belief that the attack was a response to the decision by Sir Hugh Orde, Chief Constable of the PSNI to bring in Special Reconnaissance Regiment, in response to an increased threat from dissident republicans. [14] 

The police recovered substantial forensic evidence from a car abandoned in Co Derry. This evidence included mobile phones, balaclavas, army fatigues, cleaning agents used to oil the murder weapons and plastic bags. A petrol canister was also found in a hedge. (7)

Colin Duffy is charged with the soldiers’ murders. (7)

Police also charge 44 year old Brian Shivers from south Derry with murder, attempted murder of five others and of possessing guns and ammunition with intent. (8)

[1] Two soldiers shot dead in Ulster attack, by Liam Clarke, Simon Alford and Rhodri Phillips, The Times, 8 March 2009

[2] Gunmen were aware of regular pizza drops, by David Sharrock and Liam Clarke, The Independent, 9 March 2009

[3] Two killed as terror returns to N. Ireland, by Henry McDonald, The Observer, 8 March 2009

[1] Two soldiers shot dead in Ulster attack, by Liam Clarke, Simon Alford and Rhodri Phillips, The Times, 8 March 2009

[4] Huge manhunt for RIRA murderers, by Tom Brady, Shane Phelan and Senan Moloney, Irish Independent, 9 March 2009

[5] Why didn’t private gun guards even fire at IRA killers who shot dead unarmed British soldiers, by Michael Lea, Sam Greenhill and Stephen Wright, Daily Mail, 9 March 2009

[6] Pizza delivery at arracks used to trigger ambush, by Henry McDonald, Owen Bowcott and Audrey Gillan, The Guardian, 9 March 2009

[5] Why didn’t private gun guards even fire at IRA killers who shot dead unarmed British soldiers, by Michael Lea, Sam Greenhill and Stephen Wright, Daily Mail, 9 March 2009

[6] Pizza delivery at barracks used to trigger ambush, by Henry McDonald, Owen Bowcott and Audrey Gillan, The Guardian, 9 March 2009

(7) Soldiers’ murder – man still questioned, Barry McCaffrey, Irish News, 23 July 2009

(8) Barracks murders accused is ex-eirigi, Barry McCaffrey, Irish News, 24 July 2009

Real IRA

Massereene Barracks

Antrim

The shooting happened at 9:40 pm.  [1]

The perpetrators were aware that the soldiers had a regular routine of ordering pizza on a Saturday night. [2]

It is understood that either a car or a van pulled outside the main gates to the army barracks; soldiers, believing that pizzas were being delivered, walked into the ambush. [3]

According to RTE, the gunmen got past the base’s checkpoint in a taxi and then opened fire. [4]

After the first burst of gunfire, the gunmen shot again at the victims as they lay on the ground.  [5]

Two men were also injured in the attack, both of whom worked for Domino’s Pizza; they were named as Anthony Watson and an unnamed Polish man in his 30s. [6] 

Local people reported hearing loud bangs and fireworks lighting up the sky at the time of the shooting.  [7]

The gunmen escaped in a Vauxhall Cavalier. [8]

The car was later found near Randalstown, close to the M1 motorway which goes to Belfast.  [9

The car, used by the perpetrators, was sold two weeks ago and was discovered shortly after 11pm on Saturday night.  [10]

The Real IRA claimed the murders following a call to the Dublin-based Sunday Tribune, using a recognised code word.[11]  

The male caller claimed responsibility on behalf of the South Antrim Brigade. [12]

The gunmen were believed to have been operating out of Belfast and Lurgan. [13]

There has been controversy over the belief that the attack was a response to the decision by Sir Hugh Orde, Chief Constable of the PSNI to bring in Special Reconnaissance Regiment, in response to an increased threat from dissident republicans. [14] 

The police recovered substantial forensic evidence from a car abandoned in Co Derry. This evidence included mobile phones, balaclavas, army fatigues, cleaning agents used to oil the murder weapons and plastic bags. A petrol canister was also found in a hedge. (7)

Colin Duffy is charged with the soldiers’ murders. (7)

Police also charge 44 year old Brian Shivers from south Derry with murder, attempted murder of five others and of possessing guns and ammunition with intent. (8)

[1] Two soldiers shot dead in Ulster attack, by Liam Clarke, Simon Alford and Rhodri Phillips, The Times, 8 March 2009

[2] Gunmen were aware of regular pizza drops, by David Sharrock and Liam Clarke, The Independent, 9 March 2009

[3] Two killed as terror returns to N. Ireland, by Henry McDonald, The Observer, 8 March 2009

[1] Two soldiers shot dead in Ulster attack, by Liam Clarke, Simon Alford and Rhodri Phillips, The Times, 8 March 2009

[4] Huge manhunt for RIRA murderers, by Tom Brady, Shane Phelan and Senan Moloney, Irish Independent, 9 March 2009

[5] Why didn’t private gun guards even fire at IRA killers who shot dead unarmed British soldiers, by Michael Lea, Sam Greenhill and Stephen Wright, Daily Mail, 9 March 2009

[6] Pizza delivery at arracks used to trigger ambush, by Henry McDonald, Owen Bowcott and Audrey Gillan, The Guardian, 9 March 2009

[5] Why didn’t private gun guards even fire at IRA killers who shot dead unarmed British soldiers, by Michael Lea, Sam Greenhill and Stephen Wright, Daily Mail, 9 March 2009

[6] Pizza delivery at barracks used to trigger ambush, by Henry McDonald, Owen Bowcott and Audrey Gillan, The Guardian, 9 March 2009

(7) Soldiers’ murder – man still questioned, Barry McCaffrey, Irish News, 23 July 2009

(8) Barracks murders accused is ex-eirigi, Barry McCaffrey, Irish News, 24 July 2009

Continuity IRA

Lismore Manor, Craigavon

County Armagh, Northern Ireland

The PSNI were responding to a call for help from a woman. [1] She claimed that a gang had smashed a window of her home in Lismore Manor. [3] Two police cars attended the scene.  [1] The cars were unmarked. [3]

Constable Carroll was part of the Tactical Support Group and was driving the second car. [7]

As the officers got out of the car, shots were fired. [1]

The gunman fired two shots from a grassy bank behind the cul-de-sac, from which the emergency call came. [3]

One officer was stuck by gunfire. [2]

The shot which killed Constable Carroll travelled through the rear window of the police car and stuck him in the back of the head. [3]

The Continuity IRA claimed responsibility for the killing.  A coded message claimed that the attack was carried out by its North Armagh brigade. [4]

Two houses were searched in the Drumbeg estate, near the scene of the murder. [5] A man in a light coloured top was seen running away from the scene. [5] Two men, aged 17 and 37 were arrested in connection with the murder. [6]

Prosecutors announced that they will use electronic surveillance evidence in the case against John Paul Wootton, who was charged with the murder of Carroll. They corrected an earlier claim that CCTV footage placed Wootton’s Citroen Saxo car close to scene of shooting. The prosecution refused to detail this evidence, thereby encouraging criticism from the defence. (8)

18-year-old John Paul Wootton is charged with the murder of Carroll. He was also accused of possessing a firearm with intent to endanger life, collecting information likely to be used by terrorists and of membership of the Continuity IRA. (8)

[1] Policeman shot dead in N Ireland, BBC News, 10 March 2009

[2] Police officer murdered, Craigavon, PSNI website, 10 March 2009

[3] ‘Northern Ireland’s violence: ‘They won’t get me’ – officer’s final farewell to his wife, by Stephen McGinty, The Scotsman, 11 March 2009

[4] Continuity IRA claiming responsibility for killing PSNI officer, by Deborah McAleese, The Independent, 10 March 2009

[5] Continuity IRA shot dead officer, BBC News, 10 March 2009

[6] Arrests over NI policeman murder, BBC News, 10 March 2009

[7] Teenager and man in his 30s held over murder of Northern Ireland policeman, by Emily Moulton and Deborah McAleese, Belfast Telegraph, 11 March 2009

(8) Surveillance evidence to be used in Carroll murder trial, UTV News, 9 June 2009

24-May-09

Kevin McDaid

49

M

Catholic

Somerset Drive, Coleraine

Co. Derry, Northern Ireland

Kevin McDaid was attacked by a group of 40 youths. [1] It is understood that he was kicked by the youths and had his head jumped on; it is not clear if any weapons were also used. [2]

According to media reports, Kevin McDaid was either attacked as he looked for his sons [2] or when he went to the aid of another man who was being attacked. [3]

The mob fuelled by Rangers win over Celtic in the Scottish Premier League [4]; on entering the Pates Lane area of the Heights in Coleraine, they began by taking down Irish tricolours. [4]

Kevin McDaid’s wife, Evelyn, was also attacked and sustained cuts and bruises to her head. [4] Another man was attacked, close to the incident and remains in a critical condition in hospital. [5]

Media reports claim that a group of loyalists, members of the UDA, descended on the area in taxis, intent on targeting a Catholic. [6]

The police have confirmed they are treating Kevin McDaid’s death as sectarian.  They have increased patrols in the area of the attack and appealed for further information from the community. [7]

The Chief Constable of the PSNI has requested that the Police Ombudsman conduct an investigation into allegations that police stood by and not intervene during the attack on Kevin McDaid. [8]

In a public statement, the McDaid family aoleged that the PSNi were involved in negoations with individuals perceved to be from the loyalist community and that threats were made of violence unless these claims were met. [9]

PSNI Chief Constable Hugh Orde confirmed that five witnesses to the murder had been intimidated.  He also denied allegations that police officers had sent a text to loyalists inciting the violence. (12)

A loyalist parade marched past the spot where Kevin McDaid was murdered. His son, Ryan, hurled abuse and videoed those in the parade.  In the days preceding the march, Ryan McDaid and his friends had been subject to loyalist threats of ‘cleansing’ the Heights area. (15)

Loyalist paramilitaries issued a threat against attack victim Damien Fleming. The warning stated that if his family did not leave Coleraine then they would be burnt out of their homes.  Fleming responded by saying ‘we will not be going anywhere’. (16)

McDaid’s DNA was found in blood on the pickaxe of suspected ringleader John Thompson. Thompson is accused of organising the violence, throwing the first punch at McDaid and of stamping on Fleming’s head. (18)

Nine men were being questioned by police. [7]

8 men, aged between 18 and 50, have been charged with murder and attempted murder. [10]

Two other men were arrested in connection with the incident The men were aged 43 and 37. There have so far been ten arrests. (11)

In an unsuccessful application for bail, the defence lawyer for one of those accused (teenager David Craig Cochrane) says that McDaid was the aggressor as he was a member of an armed gang who had attacked one of those accused of his murder. (13)

Also refused bail was Aaron Thomas Beech, 23, from Windyhall Park. He was accused of the attempted murder of Fleming and of assaulting a woman. He was identified by four witnesses. The third individual refused bail was David James John Cochrane. Seven others arrested in connection with the incident did not apply for bail (13).

Christopher McDowell is also named as one of the individuals facing murder charges (14)

McDaid’s sons, both 22, are arrested in connection with events surrounding the murder, rather than the killing itself. (17)

[1] Catholic man Kevin McDaid beaten to death outside his home by “football mob”, by David Sharrock, Times Online, 26 May 2009

[2] Eleven quizzed after father of four kicked to death by gang of 40, by Michael McHugh, Irish Independent, 26 May 2009

[3] Dad died saving man from mob, by Deborah McAleese and Lesley-Anne Henry, Belfast Telegraph, 25 May 2009

[4] ’10 to 15 beat him.  He was hit with some sort of bat …’, by Maeve Connolly, Irish News, 26 May 2009

[5]  Witness describes moment victim collapsed and died, by Maeve Connolly, Irish News, 26 May 2009

[6] ‘Loyalist lynch mob came in taxis intent on killing a Catholic’, by Lesley-Anne Henry, Belfast Telegraph, 26 May 2009

[7] Nine held after killing of Catholic in Northern Ireland, by Lesley-Anne Henry, Belfast Telegraph, 26 May 2009

[8] Police ‘stood by’ as man murdered, BBC News, 26 May 2009

[9] McDaid family statement in full, BBC News, 29 May 2009

[10] Armed police in court as eight charged over Catholic’s murder, Belfast Telegraph, 28 May 2009

(11) McDaid murder suspects released, BBC News, 19 June 2009

(12) Witnesses have been threatened says Orde, Staff reporter, Irish News, 9 June 2009

(13) Court hears claim that McDaid was the aggressor, Maeve Connolly, Irish News, 9 June 2009

(14) Fears of witness intimidation in McDaid bail case, Belfast Telegraph, 9 June 2009

(15) McDaid’s salute to parade, Aaron Tinney, Belfast Telegraph, 12 July 2009

(16) Fleming family warned of threats by loyalists, Deborah McAleese, Belfast Telegraph, 12 June 2009

(17) Two sons of murdered man arrested, BBC News, 7 Oct 2009

(18) McDaid accused’s bail revoked over DNA evidence, Belfast Telegraph, 7 Oct 2009