| 21-May-94 |
Martin Doherty |
35 |
M |
IRA |
UVF |
Pearse St. Dublin |
Republic of Ireland |
Doherty was shot by the UVF, who were trying to plant a bomb in Widow Scallon'spub [1] Three men tried to enter the bar with a 15kg bomb [2] A Sinn Fein event was being held inside at the time [3] Another man was wounded in the attack [4] His sister alleges an unmasked Garda car was seen leaving the area 20 minutes before the attack [5] |
|
No one was ever arrested for his murder, The inquest into his death took 10 years [1] |
[1] IRA member shot while stopping bombs, Belfast Telegraph, 04 November 2004 [2] CAIN, University of Ulster [3] IRA member shot while stopping bombers, Irish Independent, 04 November 2004 |
| 31-Aug-94 |
Sean MacDermott |
37 |
M |
Civilian |
UVF |
Antrim |
Co Antrim |
Mr MacDermott was abducted from the house where he was lodging in Antrim. A gang broke in the door with sledgehammers, dragged him from his bed, and bound him with tape before taking him away. He was later found dead in a car, shot twice in the head with a shotgun.[1] |
|
|
[1] Lost Lives, by David McKittrick, Seamus Kelters, Brian Feeney, and Chris Thornton, Mainstream Publishing, Edinburgh, 1999, no. 3517 |
| 01-Sep-94 |
John O'Hanlon |
32 |
M |
Civilian |
UFF |
North Belfast |
Co Antrim |
Shot from passing vehicle while working on a friend's car on Skegoneill
Road in North Belfast. The UFF claimed Mr O'Hanlon was a 'known Republican'.
At the inquest, however, the Coroner disputed this claim, saying there
was 'no basis of fact in it at all.' At the same time, he said that
the only possible conclusion was that it was a sectarian murder. The
gun used by the killer had been linked to other attacks in North Belfast
between March and September 1994.[1] |
|
|
[1] UFF blasted for 'sectarian killing' of last victim, Irish News,
22 June 1995 |
| 10-Nov-94 |
Frank Kerr |
54 |
M |
Civilian |
IRA |
Newry |
Co Down |
Postal worker killed during a bungled £130,000 robbery of the Newry sorting office. Mr Kerr struggled with one of the robbers, who had tied up several workers inside the sorting office, and was shot in the head. The IRA admitted the robbery and killing but denied it was a breach of the ceasefire, claiming a breakdown in their chain of command.[1] |
|
Two men, Declan McComish (28) and Kevin Patrick Donegan (39) were
arrested with Mr Kerr's bloodstained uniform in their possession.
In December 1996, they were found not guilty of murder, but were convicted
of assisting the IRA killers.[2] Mr Donegan was sentenced to eight
years and six and a half years and Mr McComish was sentenced to five
and a half years and four years, to run concurrently, for assisting
the killing and for their part in the robbery respectively[3]. Mr
Donegan was released in 1998 under the Good Friday Agreement[4]. |
[1] Lost Lives, no. 3519
[2] Two cleared of killing PO man, by Brenda O'Neill, Irish News, 5 December 1996
[3] Pair jailed for helping PO man's IRA killers, by Brenda O'Neill, Irish News, 14 December 1996
[4] IRA hunger striker freed in peace deal, by John Mullin, Guardian, 22 October 1998 |
| 12-Dec-94 |
Malachy Martin Clark |
17 |
M |
Civilian |
Self inflicted |
West Belfast |
Co Antrim |
Hanged himself after a so-called punishment beating by a group of IRA men (on 21 October 1994) for glue-sniffing that left him in the hospital with a broken nose and ruptured eardrum[1]. Left a note saying that the beating drove him to suicide[2]. |
|
|
[1] Lost Lives, no. 3520
[2] Ulster beatings: No truce in sight; IRA, Loyalists using violence to keep control, by Ray Moseley, Chicago Tribune, 28 May 1995 |
| 22-Dec-94 |
Noel Lyness |
47 |
M |
Civilian |
Loyalists' |
South Belfast |
Co Antrim |
Assaulted, assumedly with a breeze block found at the scene. The killing is believed to have been sectarian.[1] The murder was not believed to have been sanctioned by the UVF, UDA or Red Hand Commando, but was believed to have been committed by a non-specific loyalist group [2]. |
|
|
[1] Lost Lives, no. 3521
[2] Hatred awaits decommissioning as ceasefires hold, by Gerry Moriarty, Irish Times, 29 December 1994 http://cain.ulst.ac.uk/sutton/chron/1994/html |
| 02-Mar-95 |
James (Jim) Seymour |
55 |
M |
RUC |
IRA |
Outside Coalisland RUC base |
Co Tyrone |
RUC man died 22 years after being shot in the head on 4 May 1973 by a gunman who opened fire as Mr Seymour was returning to duty at the RUC station. He remained paralyzed in hospital throughout the 22 year period.[1] |
|
|
[1] Lost Lives, no. 3522 |
| 28-Apr-95 |
Michael (Mickey) Mooney |
34 |
M |
Civilian |
IRA / DAAD |
Belfast city centre |
Co Antrim |
Shot while at a bar by two unmasked gunman who escaped on foot. Mr Mooney was thought to have been targeted because he was reportedly the leader of one of the largest drug gangs in Northern Ireland.[1] This was the first murder claimed by the IRA using the cover name Direct Action Against Drugs[2]. |
Drugs-related killing |
|
[1] Lost Lives, no. 3523
[2] 13 victims of the Provos' policing drive, by Maeve Connolly, Irish
News, 23 February 2002 |
| 05-Sep-95 |
Anthony (Tony) Kane |
29 |
M |
Civilian |
IRA / DAAD |
West Belfast |
Co Antrim |
A known drug dealer shot while waiting with his wife in his car
outside a church after his aunt's funeral. Mr Kane had reportedly
been an acquaintance of Mickey Mooney.[1] |
Drugs-related killing |
|
[1] Belfast drugs dealer shot dead after funeral, by Gerry Moriarty, Irish Times, 6 September 1995 |
| 28-Sep-95 |
William (Billy) Elliott |
32 |
M |
RHC |
RHC |
Bangor |
Co Down |
Shot twice in the head at close range, allegedly for his part in the band hall murder of Margaret Wright, a Protestant woman falsely believed to be Catholic, in April 1994. Frankie Curry, a leading figure in the Red Hand Commando, said he killed Billy Elliot. He was the RHC leader in the Donegal area[1] |
|
Thomas Maginnis (38) was charged with the murders of Mr Elliott,
Mark Sweeney, Brian O'Rawe, and William Paul, as well as conspiracy
to murder and wound, possession of guns, robbery, theft and arson.
He had made admissions during secretly recorded conversations with
police about the murders, and confessed to some of the murders on
being confronted with the taped admission. In October 2000, this man
was freed by Belfast Crown Court Lord Justice McCollum, who ruled
that the accused would probably not get a fair trial because of inappropriate
tactics used by the police in obtaining a confession.[2] |
[1] Lost Lives, no. 3525
[2] Murder accused freed despite confession, by Anne McClean, Irish News, 2 October 2000 [3] 'Judge frees man who confessed to four murders' by David Sharrock, The Telegraph, 30 September 2000 |
| 07-Nov-95 |
Edward McCloskey |
31 |
m |
Civilian |
Self inflicted |
Strathroy Park |
North Belfast |
Died from carbon monoxide poisoning after committing suicide in his car following a punishment beating from the IRA 3 months earlier. The coroner confirmed there was no evidence to suggest Mr McCloskey had been involved in drugs [1] |
|
|
[1] IRA beating led to suicide-inquest, The Irish Times, 7 January 1996 |
| 27-Nov-95 |
Norman Harley |
45 |
M |
Civilian |
Loyalists |
North Belfast |
Co Antrim |
Assaulted and killed with an iron bar on his way home to Castleton Gardens. The killing did not involve paramilitary groups, but originally seemed to have sectarian motives.[1] A judge later disputed this claim during the sentencing of two men convicted of murder and manslaughter[2]. Bellringer was the first man to be released under the Good Friday Agreement [3] |
|
In June 1997, Christopher MacMillan (22) was convicted of murder and jailed for life. Mark Bellringer (22) was convicted of manslaughter and sentenced to seven years. The judge ruled it was not a sectarian attack, but was probably to get money for alcohol. Mr Bellringer was also sentenced to four years for causing grievous bodily harm to another man on the same evening in the same park. Bellringer was the first man to be released under the Good Friday Agreement[3] |
[1] Lost Lives, no. 3526
[2] Life sentence for 'vicious' murder, Irish Times, 22 June 1997
[3] Life sentence for 'vicious' murder, Irish Times, 22 June 1997
http://archives.tcm.ie/irishexaminer/1998/09/12/ihead.htm |
| 08-Dec-95 |
Paul 'Saul' Devine |
35 |
M |
Civilian |
IRA / DAAD |
South Belfast |
Co Antrim |
Shot up to six times in the back and once in the head after he had fallen. Mr Devine was presumably shot because he was reportedly involved in drug dealing. Known associate of Mickey Mooney.[1] One source said police believed he was killed by INLA members working for the IRA, and that he was a member of a gang who helped the IRA by carrying out hijackings and robberies, then handing over a cut of the proceeds[2]. Joe Hendron (SDLP MP) claimed the murder constituted a breach of the IRA ceasefire [3] |
Drugs-related killing |
|
[1] Lost Lives, no. 3527
[2] Bargaining in blood, by John Davison, Andrew Grice and Ciaran Byrne, Sunday Times, 7 January 1996 http://cain.ulst.ac.uk/othelem/chron/ch95.htm |
| 18-Dec-95 |
Francis Collins |
40 |
M |
Former IRA |
IRA / DAAD |
North Belfast |
Co Antrim |
Shot by two unmasked gunmen in front of his fish and chip shop, where he and his wife were working. The killing was supposedly drugs-related, but his wife claims that it arose from a personal vendetta by individuals within the republican movement. A detective sergeant said that there was no evidence of drug involvement, and it might have been a case of mistaken identity.[1] Mr Collins had been involved with IRA bombings and shootings in the 1970s[2]. |
Drugs-related killing' |
|
[1] Widow vows to clear husband's 'drugs smear', by Brendan Anderson,
Irish News, 29 May 1996
[2] Lost Lives, no. 3528 |
| 19-Dec-95 |
Christopher 'Sid' Johnston |
38 |
M |
Civilian |
IRA / DAAD |
South Belfast |
Co Antrim |
Shot by two gunmen in front of his home in drugs-related circumstances.
At the time of his death, Mr Johnson was on bail, after having been
charged with possession of £250,000 worth of cannabis.[1]
There were conflicting reports on whether the charges had been dropped.
DAAD, however, claimed to have committed the murder because Mr Johnson
was dealing drugs.[2] |
|
|
[1] Lost Lives, no. 3529
[2] Confusion on status of charges against man shot in Belfast, by Gerry Moriarty and Geraldine Kennedy, Irish Times, 21 December 1995 |
| 27-Dec-95 |
Martin McCrory |
30 |
M |
Civilian |
IRA / DAAD |
West Belfast |
Co Antrim |
Killed by double shotgun blast in the living room of his home while
watching television. Traces of ecstasy were found in his bloodstream,
consistent with 'recreational use', but an RUC Det Inspector told
the inquest that his involvement in drug dealing had reportedly ceased
a few years before his death.[1] Mr McCrory had previously been the
victim of a punishment attack[2]. |
Drugs-related killing |
3 people were questioned by police in East Belfast but then released [1] |
[1] Gun victim had traces of Ecstasy in blood, Irish News, 7 January 1998
[2] Lost Lives, no. 3530 [3] 'Three held over DAAD 'execution' are freed' by Brendan Anderson, Irish News, 06 January 1996 |
| 02-Jan-96 |
Ian Lyons |
31 |
M |
Civilian |
IRA / DAAD |
Lurgan |
Co Armagh |
Killed in his car by two masked gunmen in a drugs-related shooting
as he sat with his girlfriend outside her home. Mr Lyons' family denied
he had any drug involvement, and the RUC said he was known to them
in only general terms.[1] However the DAAD claim Mr Lyons was earning
up to £3000 a week from drugs [2] This was the first DAAD murder
to occur outside Belfast [3] |
Drugs-related killing |
|
[1] Lost Lives, no. 3531 [2] 'Drugs terror group denies link with
IRA by Brendan Anderson, Irish News, 08 January 1996 [3] www.uhb.fr/languages/cei/chron96.htm |
| 31-Jan-96 |
Gino Gallagher |
32 |
M |
INLA |
INLA |
West Belfast |
Co Antrim |
Mr Gallagher had previously shot dead 3 loyalists in 1994, and at
the time of his murder was chief of INLA [1]Shot four times in the
back of the head as he signed on at the Falls Road Social Security
Office[2]. This killing was part of an INLA internal feud between
Gino Gallagher and Hugh Torney's factions after Hugh Torney had been
ousted as chief of staff of INLA. Torney was implicated in the murder.
Numerous people were shot and/or killed over the next eight months
as part of this feud.[3] |
INLA feud |
Charles Kevin Begley of Belfast was accused of the murder and went on trial at Belfast Crown Court, but the charge was dropped because he pleaded guilty to a lesser charge of conspiring to murder a person or persons unknown. Mr Begley was also convicted and sentenced to 11 years for planning another murder.[3] |
[1] Gallagher murder 'an unbelievably clean killing', by Suzanne
Breen, Irish Times, 3 February 1996 [2] 'Gunnmen kill ex-chief of
staff in terror feud' by David Graves, The Telegraph, 4 September
1996
[3] GHQ faction statement says deadly feud with INLA is over, by Gerry Moriarty and Carol Coulter, Irish Times, 11 September 1996
[4] Man jailed for murder plot, Irish Times, 16 October 1997 |
| 09-Feb-96 |
John Jefferies |
31 |
M |
Civilian |
IRA |
Docklands, London |
England |
Killed when an approximately 1,000 pound IRA bomb exploded near Canary Wharf in Docklands, London. This was the end of the IRA ceasefire, which had lasted 17 months. The IRA issued a statement and bomb warning a short time before the bomb went off, but this did not allow enough time to clear the area.[1] |
|
Patrick McKinley (34) and James McCardle (29) were charged with
conspiring to cause an explosion likely to endanger life or cause
serious injury to property. Mr McCardle was also charged with murdering
Inan Bashir and John Jeffries. The 34-year-old man was acquitted after
the judge ruled there was insufficient evidence against him.[2] In
a retrial after the first jury failed to reach a verdict, Mr McCardle
was sentenced to 25 years for the conspiracy charge. The jury was
not allowed to consider the murder charge because of press coverage.[3]
Mr McCardle was released from the Maze prison in July 2000 as part
of the Good Friday Agreement's early release scheme for paramilitary
prisoners[4]. |
[1] Lost Lives, no. 3534
[2] Retrial in Docklands bomb case as jury fail to reach a verdict, Irish Times, 21 February 1998
[3] Voters Backing Peace, Undeterred by Blasts, by Christopher Henning, Sydney Morning Herald, 26 June 1998
[4] Symbol of a painful peace: Largest one-day exodus in 30 years sees 78 freed from Maze, by John Mullin, Guardian, 29 July 2000 |
| 09-Feb-96 |
Inan Ul-Haq Bashir |
29 |
M |
Civilian |
IRA |
Docklands, London |
England |
Killed when an IRA bomb exploded near Canary Wharf in Docklands, London[1]. (see above) |
|
(see above) |
[1] Lost Lives, no. 3533 |
| 18-Feb-96 |
Edward O'Brien |
21 |
M |
IRA |
Self inflicted |
Aldwych, London |
England |
Killed when his own bomb exploded, assumedly prematurely, in a bus in central London. After his death, security forces found Semtex, timers, detonators, and ammunition in his London home. Five other people were injured in the explosion.[1] |
|
|
[1] Lost Lives, no. 3535 |
| 04-Mar-96 |
John Fennell |
40 |
M |
INLA |
INLA |
Bundoran, Co Donegal |
Republic of Ireland |
One of the founders of INLA, battered to death with breeze blocks
at a caravan site in Bundoran after supposedly 'confessing' to Gino
Gallagher's death under torture. This was done as part of the INLA
feud.[1] It is unclear whether he was a member of the Irish Republican
Socialist Party (the INLA's political wing) [2]companion disappeared
for several days, but was found safe, his head covered and hands bound,
on 8 March[3]. |
INLA feud |
A man in his 20s was questioned by Gardai, but released on 8 April 1996[3]. |
[1] Belfast shooting may be latest in republican faction feud, The Herald (Glasgow), 15 April 1996 [2] 'John Fennell' by Jim Fitzpatrick and Seamus McKinney, The Irish News, 08 March 1996 [3] Gardai locate man who disappeared after killing, Irish Times, 9 March 1996 [4] Man held in Fennell murder, Irish Times, 9 April 1996 |
| 15-Mar-96 |
Barbara McAlorum |
9 |
F |
Civilian |
INLA |
North Belfast |
Co Antrim |
9-year-old shot by a spray of gunfire as she was playing with a
jigsaw puzzle in the living room of her home. The shooting was associated
with the INLA internal feud, and the gunman was believed to have belonged
to Gino Gallagher's faction of INLA. A 19-year-old man visiting the
house, Ciaran Scott, was injured in the shooting.[1] Her father was
targeted with a bomb in May 1996 while visiting his son at Maghaberry
prison[2]. |
INLA feud |
A number of men were arrested and questioned in the weeks following the killing, but were released without charge[3]. |
[1] Tragic scene parents wanted world to see, by Colin O'Carroll,
Irish News, 19 March 1996
[2] Gino men get bomb blame, by Brenda O'Neill, Irish News, 18 May
1996
[3] Lost Lives, no. 3537 |
| 21-Mar-96 |
Thomas (Tommy) Sheppard |
41 |
M |
UVF |
UVF |
Ballymena |
Co Antrim |
Killed by three shots fired by two gunmen in a bar in Ballymena. Security sources claimed that loyalist paramilitaries were involved.[1] The Sunday Times from the week of 24 March 1996 claimed the UVF had carried out the killing because they believed Mr Sheppard was an informer[2]. Johnston Brown, a former detective, claims that police in NI cover-up 9 murders (including Sheppard's) committed by an informer (a senior UVF leader) who has been implicated in at least 8 murders over 7 years [3] |
|
Police were questioning one man shortly after the killing.[3] |
[1] RUC question man in loyalist's murder, by Suzanne Breen, Irish Times, 23 March 1996 [2] Lost Lives, no. 3538 [3] RUC question man in loyalist's murder, by Suzanne Breen, Irish Times, 23 March 1996 [4] 'RUC covered up agent's murders' by Liam Clarke, The Sunday Times, 28 March 2004 |
| 25-May-96 |
Dessie McCleery |
37 |
M |
INLA |
INLA |
Central Belfast |
Co Antrim |
Hugh Torney's deputy, who was shot in the crowded bar of a pizza
restaurant in central Belfast by the INLA faction loyal to Gino Gallagher[1]. |
INLA feud |
A 30-year-old man was charged with involvement in the murder in 1996[2]. In December, 1997, he was acquitted of the murder. His girlfriend, however, was sentenced to community service for providing a false alibi for him.[3] |
[1] INLA rivals fight it out for power and vengeance, by Gerry Moriarty, Irish Times, 27 May 1996
[2] INLA murder judgment reserved, Irish Times, 5 December 1997
[3] Conviction for false alibi, Irish Times, 31 January 1998 |
| 07-Jun-96 |
Gerard (Jerry) McCabe |
52 |
M |
An Garda S'och'na |
IRA |
Adare, Co Limerick |
Republic of Ireland |
Hit by three of the fourteen bullets fired during a robbery of an An Post truck carrying £100,000 in pension and social security money which he and a colleague were guarding. Some months after the attack, the IRA admitted that some of its members carried out the killing.[1] |
|
Four men, Kevin Walsh, Pearse McAuley, Jeremiah Sheedy and Michael
O'Neill, pleaded guilty to manslaughter fifteen days into the trial,
3 February 1999, and were given sentences of 11-14 years[2]. A fifth
man, John Quinn, was sentenced to four years for conspiracy to rob[3].
In March 2003, the High Court rejected a Sinn Féin bid for
the early release under the Belfast Agreement for two men jailed in
connection with the robbery in which Mr McCabe was killed[4]. However
an early release of all 4 men is currently being considered [5] |
[1] Lost Lives, no. 3540 [2] Lost Lives, no. 3540 [3] IRA backs away from legal battle over McCabe killers, by John Mooney, Sunday Times, 27 August 2000 [4] Garda's killer to challenge sentence, by Mary Carolan, Irish Times, 29 March 2003 [5] 'A Liberal Dose of Stupidity' by Ruth Dudley Edwards, The Financial Times, 1 April 2005 |
| 09-Jun-96 |
Francis Shannon |
23 |
M |
INLA |
INLA |
West Belfast |
Co Antrim |
Shot at close range in Turf Lodge by Gino Gallagher's INLA faction
as part of the INLA internal feud. Mr Shannon's natural father was
John Fennell, who was killed in March 1996.[1] When he was killed,
Mr Shannon was wearing a wig in order to disguise himself and was
wearing a bullet-proof vest[2]. |
INLA feud |
|
[1] Man shot dead on Belfast street in INLA feud, by Suzanne Breen, Irish Times, 10 June 1996
[2] INLA murder victim was wearing a wig, The Herald (Glasgow), 11 June 1996 |
| 08-Jul-96 |
Michael McGoldrick |
31 |
M |
Civilian |
LVF |
Lurgan |
Co Armagh |
Taxi driver shot in the run-up to the 1996 Drumcree crisis. Mr McGoldrick was taking a passenger to a predominantly Catholic village outside of Lurgan and was lured into a small back lane, where the driver of another car got into the taxi and shot Mr McGoldrick five times in the back of the head.[1] |
|
Clifford McKeown, a LVF member who was an associate of Billy Wright,
was charged with the murder on 6 November 2001. He was convicted and
sentenced to 24 years in April 2003, but the sentence may be reduced
under the terms of the Good Friday agreement. Mr McKeown planned to
appeal the sentence. The conviction came primarily from evidence presented
by journalist Nick Martin Clark, to whom McKeown admitted the killings,
which he described as a 'birthday present' for Wright.[2] |
[1] Loyalist murderer jailed for 27 years, by Damlin Henderson, The Herald, 10 April 2003
[2] Loyalist murderer jailed for 27 years, by Damien Henderson, The Herald, 10 April 2003 |
| 12-Jul-96 |
Thomas Annett |
34 |
M |
UDA |
Loyalists |
South Belfast |
Co Antrim |
Assaulted outside a bar on Ormeau Road. Police said the killing was not sectarian, but associates and family members believed that the killing was a result of loyalist paramilitary involvement.[1] |
|
A 30-year-old man was charged with the murder on 20 November 1997[2]. In August 2001, this same man was charged with possessing documents useful to terrorists. These documents supposedly emanated from British army spy Brian Nelson.[3] |
[1] Lost Lives, no. 3543
[2] Man charged with Belfast murder, Irish Times, 20 November 1997
[3] Court releases three on bail, Irish News, 25 August 2001 |
| 13-Jul-96 |
Dermot 'Tonto' McShane |
35 |
M |
Former INLA |
Army |
Derry |
Co Derry |
Killed in Derry during the Drumcree riots when an army vehicle drove into a piece of corrugated metal behind which Mr McShane was sheltering[1]. |
|
In 1998, the Director of Public Prosecution decided not to prosecute
the driver of the vehicle[2]. In 2002, in McShane v. the United Kingdom,
the European Court of Human Rights unanimously ruled that the UK had
violated Mr McShane's right to life by failing to effectively investigate
his death. Mr McShane's wife was awarded £8,000 in damages and
£8,000 in costs.[3] |
[1] Lost Lives, no. 3544
[2] Lost Lives, no. 3544
[3] Court finds man's right to life violated, Irish Times, 29 May 2002 |
| 03-Sep-96 |
Hugh Torney |
41 |
M |
INLA |
INLA |
Lurgan |
Co Armagh |
Shot by gunmen from Gino Gallagher's INLA faction outside a house
in Lurgan, Co Armagh, as part of the internal INLA feud between his
faction and Gino Gallagher's faction. Mr Torney had been ousted as
INLA chief of staff by Gino Gallagher and became leader of the INLA
GHQ faction. He reportedly ordered Gino Gallagher's assassination
in January 1996.[1] |
INLA feud |
Three men were questioned about the murder, but released without charge[2]. Liam McAnoy, the man accompanying Mr Torney when Mr Torney died and who was wounded in the attack, went on trial in 1997 on an arms charges relating to the event in question[3]. In February 1998, Mr McAnoy was sentenced to six and a half years in prison[4]. |
[1] INLA feud takes another 'best friend', by Henry McDonald, Sunday
Times, 8 September 1996
[2] RUC frees trio of suspects, Irish News, 11 December 1996
[3] Man shot in attack faces gun charges, by Brendan Anderson, Irish News, 10 December 1997
[4] Man jailed for possessing gun, Irish Times, 10 February 1998 |
| 16-Sep-96 |
John Paul 'Sean' Devlin |
31 |
M |
Civilian |
IRA / DAAD |
South Belfast |
Co Antrim |
Shot three times in the head by two masked men in a house in Friendly Street, the day before he was to appear in court on drugs charges. The IRA had supposedly threatened him to leave Northern Ireland or be shot.[1] |
Drugs-related killing |
|
[1] Drugs group admits murder in Belfast, by Gerry Moriarty, Irish Times, 17 September 1996 |
| 21-Sep-96 |
Kenneth Auld |
47 |
M |
Civilian |
Republicans |
Glenarm |
Co Antrim |
Died four days after he was stabbed with screwdriver while trying to stop republicans removing an Ulster flag from a post outside the Masonic Hall[1]. |
|
A 26-year-old man who was charged with the killing claimed he was drunk at the time, then was himself struck on the head with a flagpole, and thus remembers nothing of the incident[2]. He was subsequently acquitted[3]. |
[1] Glenarm flag row stabbing horror, by John Breslin, Belfast Telegraph, 17 September 1996
[2] Flag row 'triggered fatal screwdriver attack', by Brenda O'Neill,
Irish News, 5 December 1997
[3] Attacks continue in North Antrim, An Phoblacht/Republican News, 15 January 1998 |
| 22-Sep-96 |
George Scott |
32 |
M |
UVF' |
Unknown |
Cookstown |
Co Tyrone |
Beaten to death in his flat in a 'failed' punishment beating for
previous fights and threats[1]. |
|
Two of the accused, Robert Stewart (39) and George Watterson (31) pleaded guilty to manslaughter in 1998. The murder cases against three men, Gary McGuckin (31), Mark McGuckin (36), and Rodger Crooks (24) went to trial in January 1998[2]. Mark McGuckin was found guilty of murder, while Gary McGuckin and Rodger Crooks were found guilty of a lesser charge of manslaughter[3]. Mark McGuckin was released for festive parole in 1999 but then re-arrested after a day for assaulting police [4] |
[1] Man killed in 'failed' punishment beating, by Brendan Anderson,
Irish News, 28 January 1998 [2] Man killed in 'failed' punishment
beating, by Brendan Anderson, Irish News, 28 January 1998 [3] Murder
and manslaughter verdicts for beating gang, by Martin Anderson, Irish
News, 1 July 1998 [4] 'Cancelled parole left one costly inmate with
Maze all to himself' by John Mullin, The Guardian, 04 January 2000 |
| 23-Sep-96 |
Diarmuid O'Neill |
27 |
M |
IRA |
Metropolitan police |
Hammersmith, London |
England |
Unarmed IRA member shot six times during a botched arrest operation in a Hammersmith hotel in which the duplicate room key did not work, the battering ram broke a hole in the door without opening the door, and 10 rounds of CS gas were thrown into the room, impeding the vision of the arresting officers.[1] |
|
In February 2000, a jury exonerated the police officers, ruling
that Mr O'Neill was lawfully shot during this arrest operation even
though the operation went 'badly wrong'[2]. The Crown Prosecution
Service decided not to prosecute the officer who shot Mr O'Neill.
Friends and family members are campaigning for a full inquiry into
the death.[3] |
[1] Police killing of IRA man 'lawful'; Inquest verdict on unarmed terrorist suspect shot in hotel, by Nick Hopkins, Guardian, 19 February 2000
[2] Police killing of IRA man 'lawful'; Inquest verdict on unarmed terrorist suspect shot in hotel, by Nick Hopkins, Guardian, 19 February 2000
[3] No trial for officer who shot IRA man, by Duncan Campbell, Guardian, 27 April 1999 |
| 10-Oct-96 |
Darren Murray |
12 |
M |
Civilian |
Unknown |
Portadown |
Co Armagh |
Died two days after being struck by van during a confrontation between nationalist and loyalist children shouting taunts at each other[1]. |
|
|
[1] Lost Lives, no. 3550 |
| 11-Oct-96 |
James Bradwell |
43 |
M |
Army |
IRA |
Lisburn |
Co Antrim |
Warrant officer killed by car bombs at Thiepval barracks, the British Army headquarters in Lisburn, Co Antrim. Mr Bradwell died four days after attack, in which 31 other people were injured.[1] |
|
One man was charged with conspiring to cause the explosion, but
failed to return to court in 1997[1]. As of 2002, he was still a fugitive
and appeared on the list of fugitives Sinn Féin submitted to
the government for amnesty[2]. In 2002 he appeared on the list of
fugitives Sinn Fein submitted to the government for amnesty [3] He
was arrested in Tenerife in 2004, and extradited back to Northern
Ireland. He was cleared of all charges by Belfast Crown Court [4] |
[1] IRA 'aimed to wipe out casualties', by Aeneas Bonner, Irish
News, 25 November 1996 [2] IRA 'aimed to wipe out casualties', by
Aeneas Bonner, Irish News, 25 November 1996 [3] IRA fugitives at heart
of amnesty dispute, The Times, 13 March 2002 [4] 'Court frees army
attack accused' BBC News Online, 25 Sept 2005 |
| 29-Oct-96 |
Thomas Stewart |
32 |
M |
UVF |
UVF |
North Belfast |
Co Antrim |
Shot near his home in north Belfast less than a week after he was
'stood down' by the UVF as a party leader[1]. A year later, after
Jackie Mahood was shot, the spokesperson for the Progressive Unionist
Party linked the cases, suggesting that 'criminal elements' were responsible
for both murders and denying a feud between the UVF and LVF[2]. |
Loyalist feud |
|
[1] Belfast murder victim had been 'stood down' as UVF chief, by
David Sharrock, Guardian, 30 October 1996
[2] UVF challenged to deny role in loyalist's shooting, by Gerry Moriarty,
Irish Times, 30 November 1997 |
| 07-Dec-96 |
Peter (P.J.) Judge |
41 |
M |
Civilian |
IRA |
Dublin |
Republic of Ireland |
Major drugs dealer in Dublin shot dead as sat in his car outside of a public house on Finglas Road. Mr Judge is believed to have been killed by the IRA because of his involvement in drugs.[1] |
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 |
| 27-Jan-97 |
Cormac McDermott |
31 |
M |
|
UVF |
Ballymena |
Co. Antrim |
McDermott was shot at his home by the UVF [1] His wife ws shot twice
in the throat but survived. Their 3 year old daughter witnessed the
attack [2] He was the son-in-law of Larne Cllr. William Cunning who
received a letter bomb in 1991, sent by RUC Constable Moore [3] |
|
A 31 year old man was sentenced to life imprionment for the murder of McDermott and the attempted murder of Mrs McDermott, and possession of weapon [1] |
[1] CAIN, University of Ulster [2] Lost Lives, p 1334 [3] Relatives for justice www.relativesforjustice.com |
| 03-Feb-97 |
Larry McCartan |
79 |
M |
Civilian |
Unknown |
Laurencetown |
Co Down |
An SDLP councillor on the Banbridge District Council. Mr McCartan suffered a heart attack while he and his wife were evacuated during a hoax bomb alert.[1] |
|
|
[1] Councillor dies during bomb hoax, by Suzanne Breen, Irish Times, 4 February 1997 |
| 12-Feb-97 |
Stephen Restorick |
23 |
M |
Army |
IRA |
Bessbrook |
Co Armagh |
Soldier shot in the back by a sniper while manning a vehicle checkpoint[1]. |
|
In March 1999, an IRA sniper team consisting of Michael Caraher, James McCardle, and Martin Mines and Bernard McGinn were convicted of offences relating to the killing and other serious offences. Caraher, who shot the gun, Mr McCardle, and Mr Mines were each given 20 years for conspiracy to murder and 20 years for arms possession. There was not enough evidence to try any of them for murder. A 58-year-old man was found not guilty of making a shed available to terrorists.[2] Caraher received a total of 105 years for those and other convictions. McCardle was sentenced to additional time for the Docklands bombing. McGinn was convicted of the murder of Lance Bombadier Restorick and a large number of other IRA crimes and given concurrent sentences totalling 435 years. Caraher, McCardle, Mines and McGinn were released after 16 months under the terms of the Good Friday Agreement.[3] In October 2000, after he had already been freed, the 41-year-old was cleared of the murder by the Court of Appeal because he was not properly cautioned before he confessed[4]. |
[1] 'Life' means 16 months in prison for IRA killer, by John Mullin,
Guardian, 20 March 1999
[2] IRA terrorist laughs after being convicted of soldier's murder, by Conal Urquhart, Scotsman, 20 March 1999
[3] Short walk to freedom for the last of Maze inmates, by Suzanne Breen, Irish Times, 27 July 2000
[4] Man cleared of murder on appeal, Irish Times, 6 October 2000 [5] Censorship: O'Loan to fight MoD gag order by Liam Clarke, The Sunday Times, 19 September 04 [6] McGinn was cleared of the murder by the Court of Appeal because he was not properly cautioned before he was arrested. In July 2004 the Police Ombudsman investigated allegations by a former undercover soldier that the surveillance team was ordered to stop watching the IRA sniper team 40 minutes before the killing. The MoD issued a gagging order to prevent further publication of this story, however, the Police Omubudsman ordered them to lift it to enable her to communicate with the ex-soldier |
| 14-Mar-97 |
John Slane |
44 |
M |
Civilian |
UDA |
West Belfast |
Co Antrim |
Shot five times in the chest at close range in the kitchen of his home. Loyalist forces revealed that the UDA might be responsible for the killing, but it was a case of mistaken identity. It was believed that the UDA had planned to kill a man with INLA ties who lived in the same area, and the UDA accepted that Mr Slane was completely innocent.[1] |
|
A UDA man in his 20s who was suspected of killing Mr Slane was hiding out in Belfast as of 1998, protected by other loyalists[2]. In February 1998, Gerry Adams accused the RUC of failing to co-operate on investigations of murders by loyalist groups. One example cited was that they refused to release the forensic history of the weapon used to kill Mr Slane.[3] |
[1] UDA is blamed for murder of Catholic, by Carmel Robinson, Irish Times, 17 March 1997
[2] Suspect in Bates killing defies UDA, by Henry McDonald, Sunday Times, 6 July 1997; New breed of killers combine gun culture with drug culture, by John Cusack, Irish Times, 24 January 1998
[3] Adams contrasts delay in tackling loyalists with speedy moves
for Sinn Féin indictment, by Mark Brennock, Irish Times, 18
February 1998 |
| 24-Mar-97 |
Rev. David Templeton |
43 |
M |
Civilian |
UVF |
North Belfast |
Co Antrim |
Presbyterian minister who died of a heart attack six weeks after a punishment beating at his home on 7 February 1997. It was alleged that Rev. Templeton was a homosexual because he was caught with a gay pornographic video by customs officials at Aldergrove airport. The UVF was blamed for the attack, which was committed by three men wearing balaclavas and wielding baseball bats with spikes driven through them.[1] |
|
In 2002 the murder was re-examined using the latest forensic science techniques [1] In 2004 Johnston Brown (retired detective sergeant) claimed the RUC covered up murders by Mark Haddock, who was identified by Templeton in hospital as the murderer [2] In October 2005 the Police Ombudsman issued a report implicating 6 special branch offficers in a cover-up of more than a dozen UVF murders and failing to act on evidence that linked an informer to at least 8 murders including that of David Templeton [3] |
[1] UVF blamed for attack which killed minister, Irish News, 13 November 1997 [2] Fresh DNA mover in NI murders in BBC News Online, 10 July 2002 [3] RUC covered up agent's murders by Liam Clarke, The Sunday Times, 28 March 2004 [4] Special Branch officers linked to UVF murders by Barry McCaffrey, Irish News, 27 October, 2005 |
| 08-May-97 |
Robert Hamill |
25 |
M |
Civilian |
Loyalists |
Portadown |
Co Armagh |
Died 11 days after he was assaulted by loyalist mob of about 30 in Portadown while four RUC officers in a nearby Land Rover failed to intervene. Mr Hamill was knocked unconscious almost immediately, and never regained consciousness.[1] Hon. Peter Cory, a Canadian judge, is examining this case, along with five others, to determine if an independent inquiry is warranted[2]. In June 2000, a Coroner decided not to hold an inquest because of concern for the safety of witnesses. The following day, the Taoiseach called for an independent judicial inquiry into the killing.[3] In the internal investigation, the officer suspected of providing advice to the killer was suspended and then released from service, two officers were disciplined internally, and two other high-ranking officers were believed to be part of the investigation[4]. |
|
Six men were initially charged with the killing, but only one man,
Marc Hobson (22), stood trial. He was acquitted of murder in March
1999 because the judge felt it was impossible to be satisfied of his
guilt, but was convicted and jailed for committing an affray.[5] He
served only 6 weeks in jail[6]. In April 2001, the new Police Ombudsman
ordered the arrest of seven people, but they were all released the
following day[7]. Evidence has emerged that an RUC officer gave one
of the killers advice on how to dispose of evidence in a telephone
call shortly following the murder. James and Andrea McKee pleaded
guilty to perverting the course of justice by falsely claiming to
have made the call to protect the officer. They were sentenced to
6 months imprisonment and 6 months suspended sentence, respectively.[8]
In 2003, the DPP decided to prosecute the officer, his wife, and a
52-year-old man for perverting the course of justice by giving false
information relating to the call.[9] Following Judge Cory's 2003 report,
the British government ordered a public inquiry into the murder in
2004. The inquiry opened in April 2005 and was chaired by former High
Court judge Sir Edwin Jowitt. It was adjourned in May 2005 [10] |
[1] Getting to the truth behind Hamill death, by Gerry Moriarty, Irish Times, 28 December 2002
[2] Getting to the truth behind Hamill death, by Gerry Moriarty, Irish Times, 28 December 2002
[3] Ahern calls for inquiry into Hamill murder, by Frank McNally, Irish Times, 9 June 2000
[4] Officers face rap for work in killing, by Sharon O'Neill, Irish
News, 18 June 2003
[5] Man acquitted of Portadown murder during loyalist mob attack, Irish Times, 26 March 1999
[6] A hair's length from despair, by Jim Dee, Boston Herald, 11 June 2000
[7] Hamill detainees freed on police bail, by Suzanne Breen, Irish Times, 12 April 2001
[8] Getting to the truth behind the Hamill death, by Gerry Moriarty, Irish Times, 28 December 2002
[9] Former RUC man among three on Hamill charges, by Sharon O'Neill,
Irish News, 4 July 2003 [10] Hamill murder inquiry adjourned, BBC
News Online, 24 May 2005 |
| 09-May-97 |
Darren Bradshaw |
24 |
M |
RUC |
INLA |
Belfast city centre |
Co Antrim |
Off-duty RUC officer who was shot several times at close range by two gunmen in a crowded gay bar. INLA admitted the murder two days later.[1] |
|
|
[1] INLA claims gay bar killing, Irish Times, 11 May 1997 |
| 12 May 97 |
Sean Brown |
61 |
M |
Civilian |
LVF |
Randalstown |
Co Antrim |
GAA Manager shot by the LVF early in the morning on the day in which Darren Bradshaw was buried. Brown was abducted from Bellaghy, where he was locking up the GAA club after a meeting, and taken 10 miles to Co Antrim, where Bradshaw was buried. Police blamed the LVF for the killing.[1] The murder weapon used was the same gun used to kill John McColgan in January 1998[2]. The Irish News reported that Mark Fulton was implicated in the killing[3].The Irish News reported that senior LVF member Mark Fulton was implicated in the killing, however he was questioned and released without charge [3] |
|
In January 2004 the Police Ombudsman issued a report on the police investigation into the murder saying it was inadequate and "no earnest effort was made to identify those who had carried out the murder" [4] In June 2005 Crimewatch UK launched an appeal to catch the killers using a reconstruction [5] In August 2005 police made several arrests unde terrorist legislation and proceeds of crime legislation but all were released [6] |
[1] Horror at cold-blooded murder of GAA official, by Seamus McKinney, Irish News, 14 May 1997
[2] Gun victim's wife lodges complaint against RUC, by Martin Anderson,
Irish News, 27 March 1999
[3] Fulton linked to 12 sectarian killings, by Sharon O'Neill, Irish
News, 11 June 2002 [4] RUC made no effort to find loyalist murders,
Independent Online, 20 January 2004 [5] Eames Heaney in TV murder
plea, by Jonathan McCambridge, The Belfast Telegraph, 9 June 2005
[6] Ex-UDR soldiers 'quizzed on GAA murder' by Jonathan McCambridge,
The Belfast Telegraph, 10 August 2005 |
| 19-May-97 |
William Harbinson |
39 |
M |
|
UVF |
Mount Vernon Gardens, Belfast |
|
Harbinson was kidnapped from York Rd, handcuffed, beaten and left to die in an alleyway [1] A well known UVF informer was alleged to be involved in his murder. He is alos alleged to be responsible for the murders of twelve others including Raymond McCord [2] The Police Ombudsman is due to publish a report on the role of collusion in the murder of Harbinson and several others [3] |
|
Harbinson's wife was charged with withholding information about her husband's murder. Richard Magee (57) was charged with a similar offence [1] |
[1] RUC appeal, 19 May 1999 [2] Police spy murdered thirteen, News of the World, 04 May 2003 [3] Widow is charged with man's murder, Irish News, 22 May 1997 [4] Former detective says Special Branch protected UVF informer, Irish News, 28 October 2005 |
| 01-Jun-97 |
Gregory Taylor |
41 |
M |
RUC |
Loyalists |
Ballymoney |
Co Antrim |
Off-duty RUC man who left a bar at 1:15 a.m., then was pursued by a group of 12-15 men and kicked to death. The mob was supposedly Loyalists angry at the RUC for re-routing an Apprentice Boys parade through nearby Dunloy two weeks earlier.[1] |
|
Eight men were accused of the murder. Two men, Leslie Henry (31) and Alistair Stevenson (31), were convicted of the murder and sentenced to life imprisonment. Two other men, Shane Brown (25) and Trevor MacLaughlin (25), admitted manslaughter and were sentenced to four years in prison.[2] Four men were acquitted of murder; two of them were also cleared of causing an affray, while two, Jason Wilmont (20) and Daniel Stewart (33) were granted bail after pleading guilty to causing an affray[3]. The two men convicted of murder, who lost the appeal of their convictions in 1999, were released in 2000 under the terms of the Good Friday Agreement.[4] |
[1] RUC arrests five loyalist bandsmen after killing, by Michael
O'Toole, Irish News, 3 June 1997
[2] RUC man's 'killers should not be freed', by Jonathan Turner, Irish
News, 24 December 1998
[3] Four acquitted in constable case, by Liz Trainor, Irish News, 8 December 1998
[4] Loyalist prisoners, by Eithne Donnellan, Irish Times, 29 July 2000 |
| 04-Jun-97 |
John Morris |
26 |
M |
INLA |
An Garda S'och'na |
Dublin |
Republic of Ireland |
Armed robber, member of INLA, who died when shot by gardai. He was shot in the head and chest, holding a cocked handgun that was not loaded.[1] Three men were later jailed for the robbery in which Morris was killed[2]. |
|
Gardai were required to testify at the inquest, but were granted
anonymity in September 1998 by the Dublin City Coroner. This ruling
was overturned in October 1999 by the High Court, which ruled that
coroners do not have the power to make this decision. The Supreme
Court then upheld the coroner's decision in July 2000, ruling that
gardai can give evidence behind screens.[3] The inquest was begun
on 27 June 2001, but Mr Morris's parents withdrew because they claimed
documents had been withheld from them. The jury returned a finding
on 28 June 2001 that Mr Morris was fatally injured by a single bullet
wound to the head and died the next day.[4] |
[1] INLA warns gardai after shot robber dies, by Jim Cusack, Irish Times, 6 June 1997
[2] Three jailed for robbery in which man was shot dead, Irish Times, 11 March 1998
[3] Court decides gardai can give evidence behind screens, Irish Times, 18 July 2000
[4] Gardai say they shot gunman for aiming at them, by Judith Crosbie, Irish Times, 29 June 2001 |
| 11-Jun-97 |
Robert (Bobby) 'Basher' Bates |
48 |
M |
UVF |
UDA |
North Belfast |
Co Antrim |
Mr Bates, a notorious member of the Shankill Butchers who was released from prison eight months earlier as a born again Christian, was shot at his workplace, the Ex-Prisoners Interpretive Centre, presumably in a revenge killing that was part of the UDA/UVF feud[1]. Mr Bates was reportedly killed in revenge for the murder of a Shankill road UDA man, James Moorhead, in 1977[2]. The person suspected of killing Mr Bates joined the LVF in late 1997 or early 1998[3]. The UVF attempted to kill the suspected murderer in a June 1999 gun attack[4]. |
Loyalist feud |
|
[1] Loyalists fear 'mad dog' killer has joined LVF death squads,
by Henry McDonald, Observer, 4 January 1998
[2] Loyalists 'will avenge' RUC men's deaths, by Jim Cusack, Irish
Times, 21 June 1997
[3] Loyalists fear 'mad dog' killer has joined LVF death squads, by
Henry McDonald, Observer, 4 January 1998
[4] UVF 'probably guilty' of gun attack, by Paul McKillion, Irish
News, 16 June 1999 |
| 16-Jun-97 |
Roland John Graham |
34 |
M |
RUC |
IRA |
Lurgan |
Co Armagh |
One of two RUC officers shot in the head at close range from behind while on the beat. The killing was claimed by the north Armagh brigade of the IRA.[1] |
|
A 29-year-old man was charged with the killings nine days later, but was released on 3 October 1997 after the case collapsed amid controversy. The same man had previously served three and a half years of a life sentence for the 1993 murder of an off-duty officer, John Lyness, before being freed on appeal.[2] A 2002 newspaper story alleged that the killer is believed to be a former IRA operative who defected to the Real IRA sometime in 2002[3]. |
[1] RIRA threat 'at highest since Omagh', by Liam Clarke, Sunday Times, 4 August 2002
[2] Murder scene revisited, by Liz Trainor, Irish News, 16 June 1998
[3] RIRA threat 'at highest since Omagh', by Liam Clarke, Sunday Times, 4 August 2002 |
| 16-Jun-97 |
David Johnston |
30 |
M |
RUC |
IRA |
Lurgan |
Co Armagh |
RUC officer killed alongside Roland John Graham while on patrol[1]. (see above) |
|
(see above) |
[1] Lost Lives, no. 3564 |
| 07-Jul-97 |
Brian Morton |
28 |
M |
UDA |
Self inflicted |
South Belfast |
Co Antrim |
UDA member killed near his home while handling a pipe-bomb that prematurely exploded[1]. |
|
|
[1] UDA bomb accident victim is buried, Irish News, 12 July 1997 |
| 15-Jul-97 |
Bernadette Martin |
18 |
F |
Civilian |
LVF |
Aghalee |
Co Antrim |
Catholic woman shot dead by a man in a balaclava as she slept at
her Protestant boyfriend's house[1]. |
|
Trevor McKeown (39) was convicted of the murder in 1999. He appealed the conviction for the murder and for possession of the murder weapon, but lost the appeal. The murder weapon was allegedly also used in the murder of taxi driver Michael McGoldrick.[2] Trevor McKeown's brother (Clifford McKeown) was later charged with the murder of Michael McGoldrick, 08 July 1996 |
[1] I cradled Bernadette in arms: boyfriend, Irish News, 17 March 1999
[2] Loyalist killer loses appeals, Belfast Telegraph, 20 September 2001 [3] Loyalist guilty of taxi murder, BBC News Online, 20 March 2003 |
| 24-Jul-97 |
James Morgan |
16 |
M |
Civilian |
LVF |
Castlewellan |
Co Down |
Abducted, beaten to death with a hammer, burned, and found three days later in a water-filled pit on a farm. The pit contained animal carcasses, and it was revealed that a mechanical digger was used to pile more carcasses on top of his mutilated body.[1] |
|
Norman James Coopey (27) was convicted of murdering James Morgan in January 1999. He had an IQ of 74. At the time he belonged to the Orange Order was later accepted into the LVF. In March 1999, he applied for early release under the terms of the Good Friday Agreement.[2] He was released from prison on 28 July 2000 after 18 months in prison[3]. |
[1] Digger used in murder of schoolboy, by Louise McCall, Irish News, 4 August 1997
[2] Don't free my boy's killer, by Martin Anderson, Irish News, 2
March 1999
[3] Prisoner releases: Some smiled, others covered their heads, by John Mullin, Guardian, 29 July 2000 |
| 29-Jul-97 |
Gerard Marley |
21 |
M |
|
Suicide |
Divis Area |
West Belfast |
Gerard Marley was the victim of 2 punishment beatings by the IRA over a period of 6 years which left him physically and mentally scarred. The beatings were possibly in relation to joy riding which he had participated in since he was 15. He hung himself after he appealed for help at an anti-joyriding meeting [1] |
|
|
[1] Taunts 'drive IRA victim to kill himself' by Michael O'Toole, The Star, 29 July 1997 |
| 01-Aug-97 |
Stuart Hunter |
24 |
M |
Civilian |
Loyalists |
Larne |
Co Antrim |
Bludgeoned to death with an axe yards from his home, supposedly because he had reported an assault to the police three months earlier[1]. |
Loyalist feud' |
David Joseph Campbell (21) and John Maloney (20) pleaded guilty to manslaughter in February 1999. They were jailed for five years and given one year probation on their release. The Belfast Crown Court said that the men were under the influence of a third man, whose name could not be released for legal reasons, who actually carried out the act. He was originally charged with the murder, but was released for lack of evidence.[2] |
[1] Judge jails men who helped 'evil killer', Irish News, 25 March
1999
[2] Judge jails men who helped 'evil killer', Irish News, 25 March
1999 |
| 26-Sep-97 |
Brian O'Rawe |
26 |
M |
Civilian |
Loyalists |
Newtownards |
Co Down |
Mr O'Rawe's body was found in the undergrowth of a Newtownards nature
reserve, six weeks after he disappeared from his home[1]. The Deputy
Coroner who presided over his inquest concluded it was not possible
to determine the cause of death because his body was so badly decomposed.
A 38-year-old man who confessed to the murder during informal conversations
with the police said he attacked Mr O'Rawe, threw a hatchet at his
back as he tried to run away, then strangled him with shoelaces before
dumping his body in the nature reserve.[2] |
|
Thomas Maginnis (38) was charged with the murders of Mr O'Rawe,
William Elliott, Mark Sweeney, and William Paul, as well as conspiracy
to murder and wound, possessing guns, robbery, theft and arson. He
had made admissions during secretly recorded conversations with police
about the murders, and confessed to some of the murders on being confronted
with the taped admission. In October 2000, he was freed by Belfast
Crown Court Lord Justice McCollum, who ruled that he would probably
not get a fair trial because of inappropriate tactics used by the
police in obtaining a confession.[3] |
[1] Man faces trial over murders, by Sharon O'Neill, Irish News,
12 January 2000
[2] Inquest told that man was informer, by Anne Madden, Irish News, 14 February 2001
[3] Murder accused freed despite confession, by Anne McClean, Irish News, 2 October 2000 |
| 25-Oct-97 |
Glenn Greer |
28 |
M |
Former UDA |
UDA |
Bangor |
Co Down |
Killed by booby-trap bomb attached to his car which exploded while he was driving along Drumhirk Drive. The bomb contained Powergel, which the UDA had recently acquired. Loyalist Frankie Curry later claimed he had committed the murder.[1] |
Loyalist feud |
|
[1] Lost Lives, no. 3568 |
| 08-Nov-97 |
Robert Kerr |
54 |
M |
Former UDA |
LVF' |
Newry |
Co Down |
Blown up by explosion on the Lorna Doon, a 36ft boat sitting on dry land in Newry. The death was reported as being an accident, but his family believes he was murdered.[137] |
|
A 48-year-old man pleaded not guilty to conspiring with Mr Kerr
to blow up the boat. At the trial, Mr Kerr's wife said that Mr Kerr
was living in fear of the LVF, and that they had been attacked and
their home was burned down in the months leading to his death.[138] |
[1] Loyalist killed in blast 'feared' LVF, Irish News, 12 October
2000
[2] Loyalist killed in blast 'feared' LVF, Irish News, 12 October
2000 |
| 09-Nov-97 |
Raymond McCord |
22 |
M |
Civilian |
UVF |
Newtownabbey |
Co Antrim |
Beaten to death and found in Ballyduff quarry. His father has a
long history of confrontation with loyalist groups, including UDA
punishment attacks and threats against his family by the UVF.[1] He
claims that his son was killed on the orders of a senior UVF man who
was a police informer and who had escaped justice repeatedly despite
carrying out more than a dozen murders[2]. In 2003, the Ombudsman's
Office had compiled evidence on an RUC informant who has committed
a string of murders but not been prosecuted. The Office was stopped
from continuing the investigation, however, because of a lack of funding.
Mr McCord snr called for a full inquiry into the role of the Special
Branch in the matter.[3] In June 2003, a judge allowed Mr McCord snr
the opportunity to pursue judicial review aimed at obtaining the material
compiled in the Ombudsman's investigation. Mr McCord expected proceedings
to begin in the High Court in September 2003[4]. In July 2003, the
alleged informer was reported to have left the country [5]. |
|
|
[1] UDA blamed for quarry murder, by Steven McCaffrey, Irish News, 11 November 1997
[2] Coroner due to rule on inquest, by Barry McCaffrey, Irish News, 9 May 2003
[3] Demand to Ervine from father of murdered man, by Stephen Dempster, IC Northern Ireland, 8 May 2003
[4] Progress in legal bid to find son's killer, by David Gordon, Belfast
Telegraph, 28 June 2003
[5] Murder bid UVF suspect 'flees', by David Gordon, Belfast Telegraph,
21 July 2003 |
| 05-Dec-97 |
James Gerard (Gerry) Devlin |
36 |
M |
Civilian |
LVF |
Glengormley |
Co Antrim |
Shot seven times at close range as he arrived alone to meet his
brother at St Enda's GAA club, which is the most targeted GAA premises
in Northern Ireland. According to forensic evidence produced at the
inquest, Mr Devlin was shot with the same Browning 9mm pistol later
used to kill Philip Allen and Damien Trainor in Poyntzpass, and linked
to three punishment shootings in the Portadown area and a gun attack
in the home of a prison officer.[1] |
|
|
[1] 'Skulking' LVF killers murdered easy target, Irish News, 15
October 1998 |
| 27-Dec-97 |
Billy Wright |
37 |
M |
LVF |
INLA |
Maze Prison |
Co Down |
Leader of the LVF shot inside Maze Prison, while sitting in a prison
van, by INLA prisoners housed on the same H block. The carefully planned
attack was led by Christopher 'Crip' McWilliams, who was serving a
life sentence for the murder of a Belfast bar manager in 1991.[1]
|
|
Three INLA prisoners, Christopher 'Crip' McWilliams (39), John Glennon
(32), and John Kennaway (35), were given life sentences for Wright's
murder in October 1998. They pleaded not guilty, but their counsel
declined to outline their case. The IRSP and INLA were not party to
the Good Friday Agreement, but the IRSP said they thought the three
men would qualify for early release.[2] In October 2000, the three
men were, in fact, released from jail after having served two years
for the murder, as required by the terms of the Agreement[3]. |
[1] Lost Lives, no. 3571
[2] Lost Lives, no. 3571
[3] Billy Wright killers freed from jail, by John Mullin, Guardian, 21 October 2000 |
| 27-Dec-97 |
Seamus Dillon |
45 |
M |
Former IRA |
LVF |
Dungannon |
Co Tyrone |
Former republican life prisoner working as a doorman in the Glengannon Hotel. He was shot 12 hours after the INLA killing of LVF leader Billy Wright. He had severed his links to the republican movement after being released from prison in 1994.[1] |
Revenge for Billy Wright |
|
[1] Lost Lives, no. 3572 |
| 31-Dec-97 |
Edmund (Eddie) Treanor |
31 |
M |
Civilian |
Loyalists |
North Belfast |
Co Antrim |
Killed when two men sprayed the bar of the Clifton Tavern with bullets from an Uzi sub-machine gun, wounding 4 others as well. The LVF claimed the murder, but the RUC suspected UFF involvement as a known UFF member was seen in the getaway car.[1] |
Revenge for Billy Wright' |
|
[1] Murder victim's family pleads for an end to the killing, by
Niall Blaney, Irish News, 3 January 1998 |
| 11-Jan-98 |
Terry Enright |
28 |
M |
Civilian |
LVF |
Belfast city centre |
Co Antrim |
Community worker shot four times outside a club in Belfast where he was working as a doorman. A car parked outside the club, which served both sides of the community, and one gunman pointed a gun at the door while the other got out and fired over the top of the car. The LVF claimed the killing, saying it was in revenge for the killing of Billy Wright. He was married to the niece of Sinn Fein President Gerry Adams [1] |
Revenge for Billy Wright |
A senior LVF paramilitary who was killed in 2002 was reportedly questioned about the murder but was never charged[2]. |
[1] Lost Lives, no. 3574
[2] Drug feud motive suspected in shooting of loyalist paramilitary, by Rosie Cowan, Guardian, 14 September 2002 |
| 18-Jan-98 |
Fergal 'Rick' McCusker |
28 |
M |
Civilian |
LVF |
Maghera |
Co Derry |
Abducted and shot at close range as he walked home from a night out. His body dumped outside youth club in Maghera. The LVF claimed the killing as revenge for Wright.[1] LVF claimed tht the victim was involved in the shooting of Alan Smyth and John McCloy in Garvagh in April 1994.[2] They also alleged that he involved in gun-running from the US for the republican movement but this was denied by his family [3] Following evidence that the weapon used was similar to, or the same as the one used in Sean Brown's murder (12/05/1997), the Police Ombudsman recommended that an independent review be opened [4] |
Revenge for Billy Wright |
As of January 1999, no one had been charged with the murder[2]. |
[1] Fourth victim of LVF terror, by John Mullin, Guardian, 19 January 1998
[2] LVF victim's American fiancée calls for justice, by Seamus
McKinney, Irish News, 19 January 1999 [3] Random killing RUC forensic
officers examine the body of LVF murder victim Fegal McCusker shot
dead in Magehra Picture, by Seamus McKinney, Irish News Online, 19
January 1998 [4] Serious questions, by Seamus McKinney, Irish Online,
20 January 2004 |
| 19-Jan-98 |
Jim Guiney |
38 |
M |
UDA |
INLA |
Dunmurry |
Co Antrim |
Senior loyalist South Belfast commander of UDA shot several times
in his Dunmurry shop. The killing was supposedly timed to correspond
with the arrival of Sinn Féin leaders Gerry Adams and Martin
McGuinness at Downing Street for a meeting about Tony Blair's blueprint
for a political settlement to the conflict.[1] |
|
|
[1] Tit-for-tat fear grips Ulster, by John Mullin, Guardian, 20 January 1998 |
| 19-Jan-98 |
Larry Brennan |
52 |
M |
Civilian |
Loyalists |
South Belfast |
Co Antrim |
Catholic taxi-driver shot four times in the chest by single loyalist gunman as he sat in his car on Ormeau Road in Belfast shortly before 7.30pm. Speculation was that he was either killed by the LVF in reprisal for the death of Billy Wright or by the UDA in retaliation for the killing of UDA member Jim Guiney.[1] Ronnie Flanagan, then Chief Constable of the RUC, announced that the UFF were responsible for the killing of Larry Brennan. The UFF at the time was on a self-proclaimed ceasefire [2] |
Revenge for Billy Wright' |
A 26-year-old Belfast man was charged with the murder and possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life on 11 March 1998[2]. |
[1] Tit-for-tat fear grips Ulster, by John Mullin, Guardian, 20 January 1998
[2] Man charged on taxi-driver death, Irish Times, 12 March 1998 [3] http://www.cain.ulster.ac.uk/othelem/chron/ch98.htm |
| 21-Jan-98 |
Benedict Hughes |
55 |
M |
Civilian |
Loyalists |
South Belfast |
Co Antrim |
Shot by a single loyalist gunman as he left work. Witnesses heard five shots and found Mr Hughes slumped into the car. That same night, two other Catholics were wounded in shootings.[1] Ronnie Flanagan, the Chief Constable of the RUC, announced that the UFF were responsible for the killing of Benedict Hughes. The UFF at the time was on a self-proclaimed ceasefire [2] His funeral was attended by many Protestant ministers [3] |
|
|
[1] One dead, two hurt in night of carnage, by Peter McVerry, Irish
Times, 22 January 1998 [2] http://www.cain.ulster.ac.uk/othelem/chron/ch98.htm
[3] Final Journey the coffin of Ben Hughes is carried from the church
of St. Michael and on to Belfast's Milltown cemetery by Barry McCaffrey,
Irish News Online, 26 January 1998 |
| 23-Jan-98 |
Liam Conway |
39 |
M |
Civilian |
LVF |
North Belfast |
Co Antrim |
Catholic shot twice in the head by a single loyalist gunman as he sat in a mechanical digger as part of a team laying gas pipes on Protestant estate. No group admitted responsibility for the murder, but it was believed to have been carried out by loyalists.[1] Though the murder was never claimed, it was later attributed to the LVF[2]. However the fact that it took place in Belfast, miles from the LVF heartland of mid-Ulster, heightened fears of UFF involvement [3] |
Revenge for Billy Wright' |
12 people have been arrested in connection with the murder but released due to lack of evidence[3]. |
[1] Catholic was 'easy target for murder', by Liz Trainor, Irish
News, 25 June 1999
[2] Tension at highest level in two years, Irish News, 7 December 2000
[3] Police appeal over getaway car, Irish News, 25 June 1999 [4] Calls for UDP talks explusion, by Una Bradley, Irish News Online, 26 January 1998 |
| 24-Jan-98 |
John McColgan |
33 |
M |
Civilian |
LVF |
West Belfast |
Co Antrim |
Catholic taxi-driver shot and found dead at the side of the road at Hannahstown Hill. No group claimed responsibility but the LVF was thought to have been behind the attack.[1] Another taxi driver was shot in the head a few days later, but survived the attack[2]. The gun used to kill McColgan was the same weapon used in the murder of Sean Brown in May 1997[3]. In light of evidence that the murder was linked to the murder of Sean Brown (12/05/97), the Police Ombudsman recommended that a "full independent review" of Brown's murder should be linked with an investigation into McColgan's murder [3] Lorraine McColgan (widow) contested the Secretary of State's ruling that she was not entitled to compensation because of her husband's paramilitary convictions. The Belfast Court ruled that the Secretary of State must reconsider and the widow is now awaiting a new decision [4] |
Revenge for Billy Wright' |
|
[1] Murder victim's widow relives the last moment she spent with
her husband, by Louise McCall, Irish News, 26 January 1998
[2] Taxi drivers plead for an end to the killings, by Liz Trainor, Irish News, 26 January 1998
[3] Gun victim's wife lodges complaint against RUC, by Martin Anderson,
Irish News, 27 March 1999 [4] 'No real effort' by RUC to find loyalist
killers, by Sharon O'Neill, Irish News Online, 20 January 04 [5] Widows
are step closer to payouts, Irish News Online, 30 April 05 |
| 09-Feb-98 |
Brendan 'Bap' Campbell |
30 |
M |
Civilian |
IRA / DAAD |
South Belfast |
Co Antrim |
Shot near a south Belfast restaurant as he made his way to his car.
He was described by police sources as a major drug dealer, and the
shooting was thought to be drugs-related.[1] Campbell had been targeted
by DAAD previously. DAAD did not claim responsibility for the shooting,
and an unidentified source informed the Irish News that he was killed
because he put £15,000 on the head of a fellow drugs dealer.[2]
|
Drugs-related killing |
|
[1] 'Get dad out of coffin' pleads shot man's son, by Nevin Farrell,
Irish News, 18 February 1998
[2] Campbell 'shot by fellow dealer', by Liz Trainor, Irish News,
12 February 1998 |
| 10-Feb-98 |
Robert (Bobby) Dougan |
38 |
M |
UDA |
IRA |
Dunmurry |
Co Antrim |
Leading loyalist shot up to seven times outside a textiles factory,
supposedly in direct retaliation for the killing of several Catholics,
specifically John McColgan. Mr Dougan had survived two previous assassination
attempts.[1] Sinn Féin was temporarily suspended from the Stormont
talks following the murder[2]. |
|
Four men from west Belfast, ages 26, 25, 25, and 23[3], were charged in connection with the murder, but were released for lack of evidence[4]. |
[1] Lost Lives, no. 3582
[2] Coroner hears victim was loyalist, by Liz Trainor, Irish News, 5 June 1999
[3] Solicitor protests at RUC 'leaks' on killing of loyalist, Irish
Times, 17 February 1998
[4] Coroner hears victim was loyalist, by Liz Trainor, Irish News, 5 June 1999 |
| 17-Feb-98 |
Kevin Conway |
30 |
M |
Civilian |
IRA |
Aghalee |
Co Antrim |
Mr Conway's body was found in disused farmhouse with his hands bound behind his back and a gunshot wound to his head. RUC sources laid the blame on republicans, but said the motive was potentially criminal, rather than sectarian.[1] Later reports from the police confirmed that they believed local IRA elements were responsible, but did not know whether there was authorisation from the IRA leadership[2]. Potentially a punishment beating' |
|
|
[1] Killing 'down to republicans', Irish News, 21 February 1998
[2] Unionists call for fresh SF expulsion, by William Graham, Irish News, 13 March 1998 |
| 03-Mar-98 |
Damian Trainor |
25 |
M |
Civilian |
LVF |
Poyntzpass |
Co Armagh |
Shot by a hail of bullets while having a drink in a bar with lifelong Protestant friend Philip Allen[1]. |
|
[1]Stephen McClean (31) and Noel McCready (34) were jailed for life in February 2000 for the murders. They were due to be released in July 2000 under the terms of the Good Friday Agreement, but lost their licences after being charged with attempted murder while out on parole...The charges were dropped and they were due to be released in July 2000, but the Sentence Review Commissioners upheld the Secretary of State's argument that McClean must prove that he was not a danger to the public. This ruling was reversed by the NI Court of Appeal, who asked the minister to prove that McClean was a danger to the publi. However the House of Lords rejected this new appeal and dismissed McClean's case[2] |
[1] Lost Lives, no. 3584
[2] Relatives delighted at ruling on killers, by Simon Doyle, Irish News, 29 June 2001[3] Double killer loses release fight, BBC News Online, 07 July 05 |
| 03-Mar-98 |
Philip Allen |
34 |
M |
Civilian |
LVF |
Poyntzpass |
Co Armagh |
Shot by a hail of bullets in a bar while having a drink with lifelong Catholic friend Damian Trainor[1]. (see above) |
|
(see above) |
[1] Lost Lives, no. 3585 |
| 15-Mar-98 |
David Oliver Keys |
26 |
M |
LVF |
LVF |
Maze Prison |
Co Down |
LVF man found strangled to death in his cell in the LVF wing of Maze prison. He was tortured and assaulted before being killed, and his body was hung from the window frame and wrists slit supposedly to feign suicide. He had been accused and was awaiting trial for the murders of Trainor and Allen.[1] After being arrested in the Poyntzpass killings, Mr Keys had taken police to a spot where clothes and weapons were discovered, so he was potentially murdered as an informer[2]. |
|
Two prisoners in the LVF wing in March 1998, ages 23 and 36, were
tried for the murder, but the case collapsed when the key witness,
former Maze prisoner David Patterson, refused to return to the witness
box. The judge also cleared another prisoner who had pleaded not guilty
to a charge of offering Mr Patterson £5,000 to withdraw his
testimony.[3] Ralph Phillips, one of the accused, was jailed for life
in January 2006 for the murder of Adrian Thompson on New Years Day
2004 [4] |
[1] Sheet used to strangle LVF man, Irish News, 28 March 2000
[2] Cell death of Poyntzpass accused: evidence heard, Irish News, 23 March 2000
[3] Protected witness 'still waiting for new identity', Irish News,
20 January 2001[4] Killer at centre of high-profile murder case, by
Sharon O'Neill, Irish News, 25 January 2006 |
| 27-Mar-98 |
Cyril Stewart |
52 |
M |
Former RUC |
INLA |
Armagh |
Co Armagh |
Retired part-time RUC reservist shot seven times by two gunmen outside a supermarket in Armagh in front of his wife[1]. |
|
In July 1999, Barry Paul Morgan (24) was convicted of killing Mr Stewart. A 35-year-old man was acquitted of conspiracy to murder and conspiracy to collect information.[2] In 1999, Barry Dinsmore (33) pled guilty to possession of weapons, including the gun used to kill Mr Stewart, membership in the INLA, and communicating information about two UDR soldiers, and was jailed for five years[3]. In February 2001, Neil Sheridan (25) was convicted of killing Mr Stewart and was sentenced to life in prison[4]. On 22nd September 2004, Sheridan was found dead in his cell in Maghaberry prison; his death was not judged to be suspicious [5] |
[1] No judgment yet in murder trial, Irish News, 24 January 2001
[2] Man convicted of killing policeman, Irish Times, 9 July 1999
[3] Killer gang 'fled RUC trap', Irish News, 23 September 1999
[4] Man gets life for murder, Irish Times, 27 February 2001 [5] Policeman's killer found dead, BBC News Online, 22 September 04 |
| 07-Apr-98 |
Trevor Deeney |
34 |
M |
Former UVF |
INLA |
Derry |
Co Derry |
Derry loyalist shot up to six times outside his home as he was returning
from work as a passenger in his wife's car. INLA claimed responsibility
for the murder, saying he was member of LVF. This was denied by his
family and LVF, and LVF threatened reprisals.[1] He was the INLA's
final victim before it called a ceasefire in August 1998 [2] |
|
|
[1] Appeal as murder of loyalist is re-enacted, by Seamus McKinney, Irish News, 14 April 1998 |
| 17 Apr 98 |
Mark McNeill |
32 |
M |
Former INLA |
INLA |
West Belfast |
Co Antrim |
Taxi driver shot a number of times in the legs and chest while getting out of his car outside a taxi depot. Family members said he was a former INLA member killed because of an internal feud, but INLA denied responsibility.[1] Anne McNeill (widow) contested the Secretary of State's ruling that she was not entitled to compensation because of her husband's paramilitary convictions. The Belfast Court ruled that the Secretary of State must reconsider, and the widow is now awaiting a new decision [2] |
|
|
[1] Cabbie killed over grudge says family, by Liz Trainor, Irish News, 20 April 1998 [2] Widows are step closer to payouts, Irish News Online, 30 April 05 |
| 21-Apr-98 |
Adrian Lamph |
29 |
M |
Civilian |
LVF |
Portadown |
Co Armagh |
Council worker shot in the head and back at close range at a Craigavon borough council depot in Portadown by a gunman on a bicycle[1]. |
|
A 52-year-old woman was charged with the murder and possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life in 2001. She was freed on bail in June 2002 because of the length of time she had been in custody.[2] She has also been charged with a variety of other crimes, including possessing guns and explosives, membership of the LVF, and conspiring to cause explosions in the Irish Republic[3]. Ronald Wesley Allen (47), whose home was used in the murder, pleaded guilty to making property available to terrorists in May 1999. He received a two year term suspended for three years.[4] The court case against Muriel Gibson (55) and William James Fulton (36) opened in 2005. Gibson denied murdering Lamph and Fulton denied involvement. However, transcripts of them confessing their involvement to undercover police have been brought forward in the trial [5] |
[1] Catholic man shot dead, by Jonathan Turner and Steven McCaffrey, Irish News, 22 April 1998
[2] Murder charge mother of six freed on bail, Irish News, 18 June 2002
[3] Brother of dead LVF chief appears in court, Irish News, 14 June 2003
[4] Man freed over use of house in murder, Irish News, 15 May 1999 [5] Loyalists accused 'confessed' part in sectarian murders, Irish News, 09 September 05 |
| 25-Apr-98 |
Ciaran Heffron |
22 |
M |
Civilian |
LVF |
Crumlin |
Co Antrim |
Shot six times in the head while walking home after a night at the
pub with friends. His body was found by a taxi driver in front of
the local railway station.[1] No one claimed responsibility for the
killing, but an investigating officer told the inquest that he was
confident it was the work of the LVF because 'it had familiar hallmarks
to what had been LVF murders.' The murder weapon had been used in
six other killings.[2] |
|
Four men were arrested and questioned about the killing, two within hours of the attack and two within the next few days[3]. They were all released without charge, and at the time of the inquest in March 2000, no one had been charged in the murder[4]. |
[1] Two quizzed over Catholic's murder, by Ian Graham, PA News,
26 April 1998
[2] LVF killed Catholic because it 'was time', by Alan Erwin, Irish
News, 7 March 2000
[3] RUC arrests two more over killing of Catholic student, by Theresa Judge, Irish Times, 28 April 1998
[4] LVF killed Catholic because it 'was time', by Alan Erwin, Irish
News, 7 March 2000 |
| 26-Apr-98 |
Thomas 'Tucker' Lockard |
34 |
M |
Civilian |
CIRA |
near Kilcurry, Co Louth |
Republic of Ireland |
Body was found badly beaten, stabbed through the heart, and dumped
in a ditch close to the Louth/south Armagh border. Gardai initially
said the killing bore 'the hallmarks of a paramilitary-style killing'
and speculation linked the murder to the Continuity IRA.[1] His death
has also been linked to DAAD[2]. Other speculation was that the killing
was part of an internal drugs-gang feud or that Mr Lockard was killed
by a hired paramilitary hitman. Mr Lockard was linked to the cross-border
drugs trade and had been jailed in 1996 as part of an ecstasy smuggling
ring.[3] One source also said he was a Garda informer who was discovered
by a Border drug gang[4]. |
Drugs-related killing' |
|
[1] Man's body found dumped near border, Irish News, 28 April 1998
[2] Drug war far from over say insiders, by Brendan Anderson, Irish News, 16 June 1998
[3] Gardai name murder victim, by Nevin Farrell, Irish News, 29 April 1998; 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
[4] Shot loyalist likely victim of drugs feud, by Jim Cusack, Irish Times, 4 July 1998 |
| 01-May-98 |
Ronan MacLochlainn |
28 |
M |
RIRA |
An Garda S'och'na |
Ashford, Co Wicklow |
Republic of Ireland |
Shot during Real IRA robbery of a security van by a GS emergency response unit. The first GS statement said there had been an exchange of gunfire, but it later changed the statement to say officers opened fire when the victim pointed a loaded gun at them. The other five men of the six-man armed gang were jailed for possession of weapons with intent to commit a robbery and assault with intent to rob.[1] Facts behind the killing are in dispute, and this has been further aggravated by the discrepancies in the police reports. Family members are pushing for an independent inquiry to determine whether law enforcement officials used excessive force in the operation.[2] |
|
|
[1] Judge to sentence gang for fatal heist, by Diarmaid MacDermott, Irish News, 2 December 1998
[2] Report to the United Nations Special Rapporteur on Extra-Judicial,
Summary or Arbitrary Executions Concerning the Death of Ronan MacLochlainn,
by British Irish RIGHTS WATCH, June 1998 |
| 01-Jun-98 |
Charles McConnell-Strain |
28 |
M |
None |
UDA |
Carrickfergus |
Co. Antrim |
Charles Strain was found dead two days after a savage punishment beating. Five men were questioned by police but no-one was charged.[1] |
|
|
[1] Inquest into death of punishment victim, by Press Association, UTV News, 2 October 2003 |
| 03-Jul-98 |
William Henry 'Wassy' Paul |
49 |
M |
Former UVF |
UVF |
Bangor |
Co Down |
Gunned down outside his home as he returned from his daily trip
to the newsagents for the morning papers. Mr Paul had left the Shankill
Road three years before his murder after allegations that he was involved
in dealing drugs. Police originally ruled out a sectarian motive in
the murder, but the motive and details around the killing are confusing
and controversial. Well-known loyalist Frankie Curry claimed he murdered
Mr Paul over a personal feud, but speculation remained that it was
a UVF killing.[1] However, Thomas Maginnis confessed to the murder
during informal 'conversations' with police. In September 2002, the
Police Ombudsman's office admitted it was investigating allegations
that police had been given warning the night before the murder. Mr
Paul's family claims that police were told the names of the two gunmen
and the registration of their car, and seized clothing and a spent
bullet casing within 24 hours of the shooting, but still failed to
secure a conviction.[2] |
|
A 38-year-old man was charged with the murders of Mr Paul, William
Elliott, Brian O'Rawe, and Mark Sweeney, as well as conspiracy to
murder and wound, possessing guns, robbery, theft and arson. He had
made admissions during secretly recorded conversations with police
about the murders, and confessed to some of the murders on being confronted
with the taped admission. In October 2000, however, he was freed by
Belfast Crown Court Lord Justice McCollum, who ruled that he would
probably not get a fair trial because of inappropriate tactics used
by the police in obtaining a confession.[3] A 54-year-old was charged
in 1998 with withholding information about a car alleged to have been
used in the murder[4]. |
[1] Murdered man left Shankill over threat, by Martin Anderson, Irish News, 4 July 1998
[2] Probe into evidence about murder claim, by Barry McCaffrey, Irish News, 13 September 2002
[3] Murder accused freed despite confession, by Anne McClean, Irish News, 2 October 2000
[4] Murder 'by UVF' alleges counsel, Irish News, 3 December 1998 |
| 12-Jul-98 |
Richard Quinn |
11 |
M |
Civilian |
UVF |
Ballymoney |
Co Antrim |
Eldest of three children killed in loyalist petrol bomb arson attack
on their house during a week of heightened tension caused by Drumcree.
The boys, their mother and brother had moved into the house less than
a week before the attack. Though firefighters arrived within seven
minutes of the alarm being raised, the boys were probably already
dead when they arrived.[1] Five Catholic families who lived on the
same predominantly Protestant estate supposedly received death threats
from the UVF in the days leading up to the attack[2]. The boys' uncle,
Colum Quinn, allegedly had a feud with members of the UVF[3]. |
|
Garfield Gilmour (25 in 2000) was originally convicted of murder in the attack, but was cleared on appeal in June 2000. The judges substituted a conviction of manslaughter (14 years) because Mr Gilmour drove other men to the scene, even though he had no knowledge of the intended attack until the last minute. He was denied leave to appeal to the House of Lords, but the court of appeal certified that a point of law of general public importance was raised in the case.[4] Mr Gilmour admitted driving three UVF men to the home[5]. |
[1] Sickening murders that shocked world, by John Manley, Irish News, 30 October 1999
[2] Catholics 'targeted' on Quinn estate, Irish News, 15 September
1999
[3] UVF killed the Quinn boys says accused, Irish News, 14 September 1999
[4] 'Key legal question' raised by Quinn trial, Irish News, 1 July
2000
[5] Driver knew of UVF's evil intent, Irish News, 30 October 1999 |
| 12-Jul-98 |
Mark Quinn |
10 |
M |
Civilian |
UVF |
Ballymoney |
Co Antrim |
(see above) |
|
(see above) |
|
| 12-Jul-98 |
Jason Quinn |
9 |
M |
Civilian |
UVF |
Ballymoney |
Co Antrim |
(see above) |
|
(see above) |
|
| 18-Jul-98 |
Andrew Kearney |
33 |
M |
Civilian |
IRA |
North Belfast |
Co Antrim |
Bled to death after being shot in both legs during a punishment
attack outside his flat. Mr Kearney was left to bleed to death in
the lift or stairwell. Attackers ripped out the telephone line and
jammed the lift, preventing Mr Kearney's girlfriend from immediately
getting help.[1] Mr Kearney's mother said those responsible were not
Sinn Féin or the IRA, but rogue elements within the republican
movement who attacked Mr Kearney because of a personal feud with a
north Belfast republican[2]. Mr Kearney had a reputation for getting
into fights. Two weeks prior to the attack, he had a fight with an
ex-IRA man, who was reported as being a previous IRA commander in
Ardoyne who had been 'stood down' a year earlier.[3] His brother (Joe
Kearney) was arrested in March 2000 in possession of 500lbs of explosives.
He was believed to be associated with the Real IRA [4] |
|
Two men were arrested on 27 July 1998[4], but as of 7 January 1999, no one had been charged with the killing[5]. |
[1] Mother pledges to 'hound' son's killers, by Liz Trainor, Irish
News, 7 January 1999
[2] A mother's fight against beatings, by Jonathan Turner, Irish News,
19 July 1999
[3] Ardoyne man key figure in Kearney murder, Irish News, 27 July 1998
[4] Two arrested over Kearney killing, Irish News, 28 July 1998
[5] Mother pledges to 'hound' son's killers, by Liz Trainor, Irish
News, 7 January 1999 [6] Brother of IRA victim is arrested, Irish
News, 17 March 2000 |
| 15-Aug-98 |
James Barker |
12 |
M |
Civilian |
RIRA |
Omagh |
Co Tyrone |
Killed in 500 lb car bomb explosion at 3:10 p.m. on Market Street. A warning was given at 2:30 p.m., but named a different location. 28 people were immediately killed in the blast, one died of injuries three weeks later, and 200 people were wounded.[1] |
Omagh bombing |
Although more than 80 people have been arrested in relation to the
bombing, only one person has been convicted. Colm Murphy was sentenced
in January 2001 to fourteen years for conspiracy to cause an explosion.
The families of the victims have also begun a £10 million civil
case against five suspects.[2] In December 2001, a report was released
by the Police Ombudsman's office that reviewed the investigation of
the bombing. The report suggested that the RUC failed to act on warnings
before the bombing and criticized the investigation of the incident
and the failure to bring the perpetrators to justice. This resulted
in a major dispute between the former PSNI Chief Constable and the
Ombudsman.[3] In April 2003, the Deputy Chief Constable of the Merseyside
force, who was reviewing the investigation at the request of the Policing
Board, claimed the issues highlighted by the Ombudsman's report were
being addressed[4]. |
[1] Lost Lives, nos. 3598-3625
[2] Omagh bombers will be caught, says report, by Dan Keenan, Irish Times, 4 April 2003
[3] Delight at the vindication of Omagh report, by Sharon O'Neill,
Irish News, 24 January 2003
[4] Omagh bombers will be caught, says report, by Dan Keenan, Irish Times, 4 April 2003 |
| 15-Aug-98 |
Fernando Blasco Baselga |
12 |
M |
Civilian |
RIRA |
Omagh |
Co Tyrone |
(see above) |
Omagh bombing |
|
|
| 15-Aug-98 |
Geraldine Breslin |
43 |
F |
Civilian |
RIRA |
Omagh |
Co Tyrone |
(see above) |
Omagh bombing |
|
|
| 15-Aug-98 |
Deborah Anne Cartwright |
20 |
F |
Civilian |
RIRA |
Omagh |
Co Tyrone |
(see above) |
Omagh bombing |
|
|
| 15-Aug-98 |
Gareth Conway |
18 |
M |
Civilian |
RIRA |
Omagh |
Co Tyrone |
(see above) |
Omagh bombing |
|
|
| 15-Aug-98 |
Breda Devine (age 20 months) |
1 1/2 |
F |
Civilian |
RIRA |
Omagh |
Co Tyrone |
(see above) |
Omagh bombing |
|
|
| 15-Aug-98 |
Oran Doherty |
8 |
M |
Civilian |
RIRA |
Omagh |
Co Tyrone |
(see above) |
Omagh bombing |
|
|
| 15-Aug-98 |
Aidan Gallagher |
21 |
M |
Civilian |
RIRA |
Omagh |
Co Tyrone |
(see above) |
Omagh bombing |
|
|
| 15-Aug-98 |
Esther Gibson |
36 |
F |
Civilian |
RIRA |
Omagh |
Co Tyrone |
(see above) |
Omagh bombing |
|
|
| 15-Aug-98 |
Mary Grimes |
66 |
F |
Civilian |
RIRA |
Omagh |
Co Tyrone |
(see above) |
Omagh bombing |
|
|
| 15-Aug-98 |
Olive Hawkes |
60 |
F |
Civilian |
RIRA |
Omagh |
Co Tyrone |
(see above) |
Omagh bombing |
|
|
| 15-Aug-98 |
Julia Hughes |
21 |
F |
Civilian |
RIRA |
Omagh |
Co Tyrone |
(see above) |
Omagh bombing |
|
|
| 15-Aug-98 |
Brenda Logue |
17 |
F |
Civilian |
RIRA |
Omagh |
Co Tyrone |
(see above) |
Omagh bombing |
|
|
| 15-Aug-98 |
Ann McCombe |
48 |
F |
Civilian |
RIRA |
Omagh |
Co Tyrone |
(see above) |
Omagh bombing |
|
|
| 15-Aug-98 |
Brian McCrory |
54 |
M |
Civilian |
RIRA |
Omagh |
Co Tyrone |
(see above) |
Omagh bombing |
|
|
| 15-Aug-98 |
Samantha McFarland |
17 |
F |
Civilian |
RIRA |
Omagh |
Co Tyrone |
(see above) |
Omagh bombing |
|
|
| 15-Aug-98 |
Sean McLaughlin |
12 |
M |
Civilian |
RIRA |
Omagh |
Co Tyrone |
(see above) |
Omagh bombing |
|
|
| 15-Aug-98 |
Jolene Marlow |
17 |
F |
Civilian |
RIRA |
Omagh |
Co Tyrone |
(see above) |
Omagh bombing |
|
|
| 15-Aug-98 |
Avril Monaghan -pregnant with twins |
30 |
F |
Civilian |
RIRA |
Omagh |
Co Tyrone |
(see above) |
Omagh bombing |
|
|
| 15-Aug-98 |
Maura Monaghan (age 18 months) |
1 1/2 |
F |
Civilian |
RIRA |
Omagh |
Co Tyrone |
(see above) |
Omagh bombing |
|
|
| 15-Aug-98 |
Alan Radford |
16 |
M |
Civilian |
RIRA |
Omagh |
Co Tyrone |
(see above) |
Omagh bombing |
|
|
| 15-Aug-98 |
Rocio Abad Ramos |
23 |
F |
Civilian |
RIRA |
Omagh |
Co Tyrone |
(see above) |
Omagh bombing |
|
|
| 15-Aug-98 |
Elizabeth Rush |
57 |
F |
Civilian |
RIRA |
Omagh |
Co Tyrone |
(see above) |
Omagh bombing |
|
|
| 15-Aug-98 |
Veda Short |
56 |
F |
Civilian |
RIRA |
Omagh |
Co Tyrone |
(see above) |
Omagh bombing |
|
|
| 15-Aug-98 |
Philomena Skelton |
49 |
F |
Civilian |
RIRA |
Omagh |
Co Tyrone |
(see above) |
Omagh bombing |
|
|
| 15-Aug-98 |
Bryan White |
27 |
M |
Civilian |
RIRA |
Omagh |
Co Tyrone |
(see above) |
Omagh bombing |
|
|
| 15-Aug-98 |
Frederick White |
60 |
M |
Civilian |
RIRA |
Omagh |
Co Tyrone |
(see above) |
Omagh bombing |
|
|
| 15-Aug-98 |
Lorraine Wilson |
15 |
F |
Civilian |
RIRA |
Omagh |
Co Tyrone |
(see above) |
Omagh bombing |
|
|
| 05-Sep-98 |
Sean McGrath |
61 |
M |
Civilian |
RIRA |
Omagh |
Co Tyrone |
Died of injuries from Omagh bombing[1]. |
Omagh bombing |
|
[1] Lost Lives, no. 3627 |
| 25-Sep-98 |
Billy Giles |
42 |
M |
UVF |
Self inflicted |
East Belfast |
Co Antrim |
Hung himself after his release from prison, having served 15 years for UVF killing of Catholic workmate and friend Michael Fay[1]. |
|
|
[1] Killer's remorse at Catholic death, by Brendan Anderson, Irish
News, 27 February 1999 |
| 06-Oct-98 |
Frank O'Reilly |
30 |
M |
RUC |
LVF |
Portadown |
Co Armagh |
An RUC constable who died a month after being critically injured in a loyalist bomb blast attack during the Drumcree protest in Portadown on 5 September 1998. The Red Hand Defenders claimed responsibility for the killing.[1] |
|
Two men were arrested and a number of weapons were seized in an
investigation linked to the murder of Mr O'Reilly[2]. In February
1999, the police revealed that the prime suspect in the case, who
they had twice questioned and released without charge, had fled the
North and was hiding in the Republic[3]. |
[1] RUC man's killers branded 'worthless cowards', by Nevin Farrell,
Irish News, 7 October 1998
[2] Two men held after weapons are found, Irish News, 20 October 1998
[3] Drumcree murder suspect hiding in republic, by Vincent Kearney, Irish Times, 28 February 1999 |
| 31-Oct-98 |
Brian Service |
35 |
M |
Civilian |
LVF |
North Belfast |
Co Antrim |
Shot five times in the head and back in the Alliance Avenue area on the fringes of Ardoyne in North Belfast as he walked home from visiting his brother. The dissident group Red Hand Defenders claimed responsibility for the shooting and warned there would be more, saying they were carrying out the attacks to register their opposition to the Good Friday Agreement.[1] An Irish Times reporter pins the killing on one of two LVF brothers from Ballysillan[2]. |
|
|
[1] New group threatens campaign of killing, by Michael O'Toole,
Irish News, 3 November 1998
[2] Haemorrhage from within, by Jim Cusack, Irish Times, 16 December 2000 |
| 21-Nov-98 |
Gerard Moran |
35 |
M |
Civilian |
IRA |
Dublin |
Republic of Ireland |
Petty criminal and small-time drug dealer shot by a lone gunman while working as a take-away delivery man[1]. Authorities are pinning responsibility on the IRA because Mr Moran was involved in a dispute with local IRA members[2]. |
|
|
[1] Paramilitaries may have killed Dublin criminal, by Jim Cusack, Irish Times, 5 December 1998
[2] Drug dealers 'fair game' to Provos, by Valerie Robinson, Irish
News, 17 July 2000 |
| 27-Jan-99 |
Eamonn Collins |
45 |
M |
Former IRA |
IRA |
Newry |
Co Down |
Battered to death and stabbed repeatedly close to his home in Newry.
He had been a member of the IRA, but later became a vocal critic.
He at one time agreed to testify against former associates, but then
refused to testify and disowned his prior statements.[1] Blood from
a person other than Mr Collins was found on the scene, and police
were using DNA testing to identify that person, believed to be a well-known
IRA hitman who was living in the Republic as of April 2001[2]. Mr
Collins's widow said she believed 'thuggish republican elements',
not the Armagh IRA, were responsible for his death[3]. 'the victim
was the author of 'Killing Rage', a book which detailed the violence
of the IRA [4] He also gave evidence against leading South-Armagh
republican Tom 'Slab' Murphy in a libel case Murphy brought against
the Sunday Times, Murphy lost [5] |
|
On 13 April 1999, four men were arrested and six cars were removed
for examination in dawn swoops on homes in south Armagh. The men were
thought to be held in connection with the investigation into Mr Collins's
murder.[4] |
[1] Lost Lives, no. 3631
[2] Police hold DNA clue to Collins's killer, by Liam Clarke, Sunday
Times, 23 April 2001
[3] Collins not murdered by IRA says widow, by Niall Blaney, Irish News, 10 February 1999
[4] SF angered as four held in Collins probe, by Aeneas Bonner, Irish News, 14 April 1999 [5] The Murky World of Informers, BBC News, 12 December 2001 [6] Why Collins died by Ed Moloney, The Sunday Tribune |
| 15-Mar-99 |
Rosemary Nelson |
40 |
F |
Civilian |
LVF |
Lurgan |
Co Armagh |
Solicitor blown up in loyalist booby-trap bomb placed beneath her car. The device exploded as she was driving away from her home in Lurgan. Before her death, Ms Nelson had complained about death threats against her by members of the security forces. Family members and NGOs have alleged that there may have been collusion in her death. The Red Hand Defenders claimed responsibility for the killing.[1] Her case is one of the six being investigated by Hon. Peter Cory, a Canadian judge. |
|
|
[1] Lost Lives, no. 3632 |
| 17-Mar-99 |
Frankie Curry |
46 |
M |
RHC |
UVF |
West Belfast |
Co Antrim |
Shot at least six times, including three times in the head while he was on the ground, as he walked through a park to visit his mother. The killing was part of an LVF/UVF feud. The RUC had warned him twice in the previous year of death threats.[1] Mr Curry appeared to be affiliated with a range of loyalist paramilitary organisations throughout the years, including the Red Hand Commando, the UDA, and possibly the UVF, the LVF, and the Red Hand Defenders[2]. |
Loyalist feud |
As of December 1999, four men had been arrested in connection with the murder, but none of them had been charged[3]. |
[1] Loyalist killer warned by RUC, by Aeneas Bonner, Irish News, 2 December 1999
[2] Lost Lives, no. 3633
[3] Loyalist killer warned by RUC, by Aeneas Bonner, Irish News, 2 December 1999 |
| 09-May-99 |
Brendan 'Speedy' Fegan |
24 |
M |
Civilian |
IRA / DAAD |
Newry |
Co Down |
Shot repeatedly in the head by two masked gunmen in a Newry bar.
Although his last words were reportedly, 'It's the Provies, it's the
Provies,' it is speculated that it was a drugs-related killing. Mr
Fegan was a well-known drugs dealer whose life had been threatened
before.[1] Newspapers report he was killed by the IRA/DAAD, though
they vigorously deny the allegations[2]. One source alleged that Mr
Fegan was suspected of being a police informer in the Republic and
in Northern Ireland[3]. |
Drugs-related killing' |
|
[1] Sources deny Provos gunned down Speedy, by Aeneas Bonner, Irish News, 11 May 1999
[2] 13 victims of the IRA's policing drive, by Maeve Connolly, Irish
News, 23 February 2002
[3] Flanagan says IRA suspected of killing dealer, by Jim Cusack, Irish Times, 14 June 2000 |
| 05-Jun-99 |
Elizabeth O'Neill |
59 |
F |
Civilian |
LVF |
Portadown |
Co Armagh |
Protestant married to a Catholic, living on Protestant estate in Portadown. A brick was thrown through a window into her living room, followed by a pipe bomb; the bomb exploded as she attempted to remove it.[1] |
|
Philip Joseph Blaney (37), a former Special Branch agent, was found
guilty of manslaughter, causing an explosion, possession of a pipe
bomb, and possession of a firearm in January 2003. At his trial, Mr
Blaney was said to be part of a four-man team of loyalists that had
attacked two houses in the estate because of mixed relationships.[2]
Mr Blaney did not throw the bomb at Mrs O'Neill's house, as he was
in charge of throwing the brick into the other house, so he was not
charged with murder[3]. In July 2003, William James Fulton (34) was
awaiting trial on a total of 64 charges, including aiding and abetting
the murder of Mrs O'Neill, a number of attempted murders, possession
of guns and explosives, supplying Class A and B drugs, and belonging
to and directing the activities of the LVF[4]. |
[1] Fulton in court on terror charges, UTV, 13 June 2003
[2] Relief as mother's killer is convicted, by Simon Doyle, Irish
News, 10 January 2003
[3] Court told loyalist gang killed Portadown woman, Irish News, 11 June 2002
[4] Bail situation is astonishing, Irish News, 23 July 2003 |
| 13-Jun-99 |
Paul 'Bull' Downey |
37 |
M |
Civilian |
IRA / DAAD' |
Belleeks |
Co Armagh |
Shot in the head after being abducted from the car park of a hotel.
Mr Downey's body, stripped to his underwear, was discovered by a farmer
at a south Armagh roadside. Mr Downey was a known drugs dealer, and
the killing was believed to be drugs related.[1] A year earlier, he
allegedly sold the RIRA a cache of Uzi sub-machine guns, machine pistols
with silencers, revolvers and handguns [2] |
Drugs-related killing |
|
[1] Unionists pin drug dealer's murder on IRA, by John Manley, Irish
News, 15 June 1999 [2] Real IRA ready to blitz Britain, by Henry McDonald,
The Observer, 26 November 2000 |
| 29-Jul-99 |
Charles Bennett |
22 |
M |
IRA |
IRA |
West Belfast |
Co Antrim |
Disappeared 25 July 1999 and was found four days later on waste ground near a GAA pitch with his hands tied behind his back, his face covered, and shot in head and neck at close range. Private security sources say they believe the IRA was responsible because Mr Bennett had stolen a weapon from the IRA.[1] Another source said he was killed for allegedly passing information to the RUC[2]. An RUC detective told th inquest that he blamed the PIRA [3] |
|
A 45-year-old man was originally charged with the murder, but the murder charge was withdrawn in December 1999[3]. |
[1] Lost Lives, no. 3637
[2] Terrorists still killing despite agreement, by Jim Cusack, Irish Times, 1 August 2001
[3] Bennett accused released, Irish News, 23 December 1999 [4] IRA is blamed for 'cowardly' murder, by Anne Madden, Irish News, 05 May 2001 |
| 06-Oct-99 |
Patrick Campbell |
22 |
M |
INLA |
Unknown |
Walkinstown, Dublin |
Republic of Ireland |
INLA man beaten and stabbed in a battle between INLA and a Dublin crime gang after users of an industrial estate turned to INLA for protection. Mr Campbell died five days after the attack, probably from the knife wounds to his legs that hit arteries and caused a significant loss of blood.[1] |
|
Daniel Finnegan (20) was charged with the murder, but the prosecution
dropped the charge against him in July 2001, after the trial had begun,
because it was discovered that he could not have caused the injuries
from which Mr Campbell died. Mr Finnegan pleaded guilty to the second
charge against him, engaging in a violent disorder.[2] Declan Duffy
and Patrick O'Toole (27 and 23 in 2001) pleaded guilty to possession
of a shotgun and to falsely imprisoning four men against their will
during the confrontation and were given nine years and seven years
in jail, respectively[3]. |
[1] Prosecution drops charges, Irish News, 27 July 2001
[2] Prosecution drops charges, Irish News, 27 July 2001
[3] Jail terms for two involved in INLA clash, by Diarmaid MacDermott, Irish News, 16 January 2001 |
| 01-Jan-00 |
Denver Smith |
35 |
M |
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 |
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 |
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] |
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] |
[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 Kennedy, Daily Ireland, 14 March 2006 |
| 19-Feb-00 |
Andrew Robb |
19 |
M |
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] |
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] |
[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] UFF boss attends funeral of youth, by Cara O'Doherty, Irish News,
22 February 2000
[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 Kennedy, Daily Ireland, 14 March 2006 |
| 26-Feb-00 |
Joseph Foran |
38 |
M |
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 |
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,
[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 |
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 |
UVF |
Loyalists |
North Belfast |
Co Antrim |
UVF volunteer 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 |
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 |
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, yet there is insufficient evidence to prove this[4]. |
[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 |
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. 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 believe that Nicholas O'Hare was not the
gunman in the attack, but Mr O'Hare's death three weeks later might
have been linked to Mr Connolly's death.[1] |
|
[1] Murder suspect was shot twice in each eye, by Elaine O'Keogh, Irish Independent, 11 February 2003 |
[1] Gardai trawl underworld of Dundalk after two killings, by Clare Murphy, Irish Times, 26 August 2000 |
| 19-Aug-00 |
Nicholas (Nicky) O'Hare |
34 |
M |
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] Murder suspect was shot twice in each eye, by Elaine Keogh, Irish Independent, 11 February 2003
[2] 'Mad Nick' O'Hare dies in hail of bullets, by Elaine Keogh, Irish
Independent, 21 August 2000
[3] 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 |
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 |
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].
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] |
Loyalist feud |
(see above) |
[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 collapsed, by Gary Kelly, Irish Examiner, 21 May 2004 |
| 23-Aug-00 |
Samuel Rocket |
21 |
M |
None |
UDA |
North Belfast |
Co Antrim |
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]. At his
inquest, a senior police officer told the court that Mr. Rockett was
not a UVF man but had been an easy target for those involved in the
feud.[3] The inquest was told by Detective Superintendent Arnold McAllister
that there was no evidence concerning Rocket to the UVF, and as of
2003 no group had admitted to the killing [4] |
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, 4 October 2003 [3] Loyalist feud victim
was a 'completely innocent man', Irish News, 04 October 2003 |
| 29-Sep-00 |
Patrick Quinn |
32 |
M |
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 |
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
ealier in a loyalist attack [6] |
IRA on dissidents |
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 Facade, 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 |
| 28-Oct-00 |
David Greer |
21 |
M |
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 |
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 |
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] |
Loyalist feud |
A number of people were questioned in the murder, but as of March 2003, no one had been charged[2]. |
[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 |
| 01-Nov-00 |
Mark Quail |
26 |
M |
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 |
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 |
| 05-Dec-00 |
Trevor Kell |
35 |
M |
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 F'éin accused loyalists of committing the crime, but the
RUC blamed republicans[2]. The UDA, UVF and the Red Hand Commado 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 |
| 06-Dec-00 |
Gary Moore |
30 |
M |
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 |
| 17-Dec-00 |
James William Rockett |
29 |
M |
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 |
| 28-Dec-00 |
Ronald Hill |
68 |
M |
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 |
| 06-Jan-01 |
George Legge |
37 |
M |
UDA |
UDA / RHD |
Carryduff |
Co Down |
George Legge's body was found dumped at Carryduff. His throat had
been cut, and he had multiple stab wounds. The nature of his death
has been likened to the work of the Shankill Butchers gang in the
1970s. [1]
Legge was called to the Bunch of Grapes bar, owned by Jim Gray (dec). [1] Forensic evidence indicates that Legge was attacked and killed in the bar. [2]
Legge had fallen out of favour with other UFF leaders some months before his murder. [3]
Legge had been unofficially implicated in the murder of Ned McCreery,
who was shot dead on 15 April 1992. Leonard McCreery, the victim's
brother, subsequently tried to kill Legge. [5]
|
Loyalist feud |
Four men were arrested and questioned about the murder, but subsequently released without charge. [5]
The inquest took place in August 2006. [1]
|
[1] Loyalist murder 'as barbaric as Shankill Butchers'. Irish News.
01.08.06
[2] UDA man's murder was 'barbaric and dreadful'. Irish News. 02.01.08
[3] Loyalist bar killing 'horrific'. BBC News. 01.08.06
[4] A view North. UDA Drug cartel: a sordid History. Irish Echo. 17-23.01.01
[5] Men questioned about loyalist's murder. BBC News. 05.12.01
|
| 09-Feb-01 |
Kieran Smyth |
39 |
M |
RIRA |
IRA |
Curraha, Co Meath |
Republic of Ireland |
Found in a cattle pen in a field near Curraha, Co Meath, shot in head and beaten. Mr Smyth had allegedly been a close associate of RIRA who was involved in cigarette smuggling and money laundering. The murder might also have been drugs related. Mr Smyth had been questioned in relation to the murder of Newry businessman Richard McFerran in Dundalk in 1999 and three specialist Garda units had been investigating his activities, but he had no criminal record.[1] |
Drugs-related killing' |
|
[1] Murdered man 'went bravely' says dad, by Simon Doyle, Irish
News, 16 February 2001 |
| 27-Feb-01 |
Bobby McGuigan |
36 |
M |
Civilian |
IRA |
Lurgan |
Co Armagh |
Shot a number of times by two masked gunmen as he sat alone in his parked car. Mr McGuigan had a criminal record and criminal links, and was reportedly the victim of a punishment beating in January 1999.[1] The Irish Times listed him among a group of men who had been killed by the IRA for alleged involvement in drugs dealing or criminal activity[2]. |
Drugs-related killing' |
|
[1] Shooting was not sectarian says RUC, by Aeneas Bonner, Irish News, 1 March 2001
[2] Main terrorist groups still recruit and train, by Jim Cusack, Irish Times, 3 July 2001 |
| 13-Mar-01 |
Adrian Porter |
34 |
M |
LVF |
UVF |
Conlig |
Co Down |
LVF member on bail for drugs charges who died several hours after
two gunmen opened fire with an automatic rifle and a handgun on a
house in Conlig. A 21-year-old was also shot but survived. Six months
before his murder, Porter was granted bail in the High Court on a
charge of possessing 20 kilos of cannabis with intent to supply. The
21-year-old had received a death threat made shortly before the shooting.[1]
One source indicated that Jim Johnston, an RHC leader who was killed
in May 2003, was a suspect in the killing[2]. |
Loyalist feud |
|
[1] Killing linked to loyalist warning, by Billy Foley, Irish News, 15 March 2001
[2] Murder tarnishes image of Ulster's smart Gold Coast, by David Lister, The Times, 10 May 2003 |
| 03-Apr-01 |
Trevor Lowry |
49 |
M |
Civilian |
UDA |
Glengormley |
Co Antrim |
Protestant beaten so badly, especially in the face and head, that he died two days later. The attack took place in Glengormley, a nationalist area, where he may have been mistaken for a Catholic. Three men in a white Ford Escort, MXI 4115, tried to abduct another man leaving a GAA club shortly afterwards.[1] |
|
Two men, ages 44 and 18, were charged with the murder. Their cases
are, according to prosecuting QC Patrick Lynch, inextricably linked
together. In June 2003, two weeks into the trial, the defence team
for the accused withdrew from the case for 'professional' reasons.
The trial was to be adjourned at least until September 2003.[2] |
[1] Murdered Protestant attacked 'by mistake', by Anne Madden, Irish
News, 4 April 2001
[2] Murder trial may have to be aborted, Belfast Telegraph, 2 June 2003 |
| 11-Apr-01 |
Grahame Marks |
37 |
M |
UVF |
LVF / RHD |
Tandagree |
Co Armagh |
Shot several times at his home on Tullyhue Estate in Tandragee by
a single gunman using an automatic weapon. A silver Audi A4 that had
been stolen in December was used in the attack. The killing was believed
to have been part of the loyalist feud. Mr Marks had been questioned
by the police the previous year in connection with the murders of
David McIlwaine and Andrew Robb.[1] The gun was the same weapon used
to kill Martin O'Hagan in September 2001[2]. |
Loyalist feud |
|
[1] Inquiry into murder continues, BBC News, 19 April 2001
[2] How the UDA kept its peace, by Sharon O'Neill, Irish News, 13
October 2001 |
| 21-Apr-01 |
Christopher 'Cricky' O'Kane |
37 |
M |
Former INLA |
IRA / DAAD |
Tullyally |
Co Derry |
Derry area drugs baron shot four times in the stomach, probably
by the IRA. Mr O'Kane was formerly involved in INLA, but it was speculated
that he had become an RUC infomer. Loyalist groups (UVF, UDA) had
either threatened or attempted to kill him.[1] Sutton says a non-specific
Republican group was responsible for the death[2]. |
Drugs-related killing' |
|
[1] Drugs boss had 'many enemies', by Anne Madden, Irish News, 23
April 2001
[2] An Index of Deaths from the Conflict in Ireland, by Malcolm Sutton, CAIN web service |
| 28-Apr-01 |
Mark 'Mousey' Robinson |
22 |
M |
|
PIRA |
Moss Park |
Derry |
The victim was found beaten up after he had been out drinking with friends. He died three days later from head injuries [1] There had allegedly been a history of paramilitary attacks against him and his family [2] The family appealed to the IRA to publicise the results of an alleged internal investigation into the attack [3] The family allege that Bart Fisher was involved in the attack, and that he had led an IRA raid on the victim's home before and after the attack[4] Fisher was jailed for 3 years in 2005 for the manslaughter of James McGinley on 11 October 2003. However, Fisher denies any involvement with the IRA [5] His heart was given to his uncle the following day in a transplant operation [6] |
|
A number of people were questioned , but as of January 2006, no charges had been brought[2]. |
[1] Sinn Fein urged to investigate murder, Irish News, 17 August 2005 [2] Publicise results family tell IRA, by Roddy McGregor, Irish News, 26 March 2005 [3] Lives lost: Other victims of the IRA, The Guardian, 11 March 2005 [4] Brother rejects killer's denial, by Roddy McGregor, Irish News, 07 March 2005 |
| 04-May-01 |
Paul Daly |
38 |
M |
Civilian |
IRA |
Belfast city centre |
Co Antrim |
Shot while sitting in his car outside a relative's home in Belfast
city centre in broad daylight. Two men escaped form the scene in a
waiting Nissan car that was stolen in the Shankill. Mr Daly's partner
and 11-year-old daughter witnessed the murder. Mr Daly was claimed
to be a top drug-dealer, and there was speculation of IRA involvement
in the murder.[1] |
Drugs-related killing' |
|
[1] Girl 'traumatised' by dad's murder, by Anne Madden, Irish News,
14 May 2001 |
| 26-May-01 |
Stephen Manners |
40 |
M |
Former UVF |
LVF |
Newtownards |
Co Down |
Former UVF man shot several times in the lavatory of Jimmy Mac's
bar in Newtownards as part of the loyalist feud. Mr Manners had been
jailed in connection with the 1992 murder of Ann-Marie Smyth, and
had recently appeared in court on drugs-related charges.[1] |
Loyalist feud |
|
[1] Loyalist feud fear as terrorist is shot dead in pub, by David Sharrock, Daily Telegraph, 29 May 2001 |
| 11-Jun-01 |
Michael Magee |
34 |
M |
Civilian |
Unknown |
Downpatrick |
Co Down |
Alleged drug dealer died in bed 3 weeks after a savage paramilitary-style beating by three masked men that had required a number of staples to his head[1]. |
|
|
[1] Widow hits out at drug dealer 'lie', by Sharon O'Neill, Irish
News, 15 June 2001 |
| 23-Jun-01 |
John McCormick |
25 |
M |
Civilian |
UDA |
Coleraine |
Co Derry |
Shot several times in the head and stomach at his home in Loughanhill
Park, Coleraine, in front of his family. McCormick was due to be a
witness in a prosecution arising out of the UDA/UVF feud concerning
an August 2000 incident in which an 11-year-old girl, Charlene Daly,
was shot in the back, allegedly by the UVF. Although Mr McCormick
was giving evidence for the Crown's case, some members of the UDA
had accused him of being part of the shooting. Three weeks before
the attack, his home was pipe-bombed, and two weeks before that, a
man tried to leave a suspicious package in the garden.[1] |
Loyalist feud |
A 37-year-old man who was accused of withholding information about the killing was released on bail on 27 July 2001[2]. A 28-year-old man was charged with the murder in February 2003[3]. |
[1] UDA blamed for murder, by Anne Madden, Irish News, 25 June 2001
[3] Bail set in McCormick case, Irish News, 28 July 2001
[3] Murder accused in court, Irish News, 19 February 2003 |
| 04-Jul-01 |
Ciaran Cummings |
19 |
M |
Civilian |
UVF or RHD |
Antrim |
Co Antrim |
Shot as he waited for a lift at Greystone Roundabout in Antrim by
a passenger on a passing motorcycle. The Cummings family has since
been subjected to attacks on their home and the monuments erected
in Ciaran's memory.[1] The Red Hand Defenders claimed responsibility
for the murder, saying it was an attack on the nationalist community
in response to a Sinn Féin victory at the polls. The Irish
Times said that renegade members of the UVF committed the murder,
possibly as a reprisal for the killing of PUP member Denver Smith.[2] |
|
As of 16 July 2003, no one had been charged with the murder even though the Police Service allegedly knows the identity of the killer[3]. |
[1] Victim's mum meets top cop, by Sharon O'Neill, Irish News, 25
June 2003
[2] Murder 'was work of UVF renegades', by Sharon O'Neill, Irish News,
10 December 2001
[3] Wall of silence shields Gerard's killers, by Sharon O'Neill, Irish
News, 16 July 2003 |
| 10-Jul-01 |
Geraldine Ewing |
61 |
F |
Civilian |
Loyalists |
Lisburn |
Co Antrim |
A disabled woman who died of heart attack hours after being ordered
to leave her home on the Old Warren estate in Lisburn by a gang of
6 loyalists. The gang had threatened her family that they would be
'burnt out' if they did not leave.[1] |
|
|
[1] Woman dies after gang attack, by Andrea McKernon, Irish News, 11 July 2001 |
| 14-Jul-01 |
Seamus 'Shavo' Hogan |
47 |
M |
Civilian |
IRA' |
Dublin |
Republic of Ireland |
Drug dealer struck by two shots of at least seven that were fired as he drove into the Transport Club. Mr Hogan was allegedly involved in drugs and the 1986 Beit art collection heist. He gained enemies in the 1980s when it was believed he was feeding information to the gardai.[1] He had allegedly refused to give the IRA a cut of his profits[2], and also had ongoing rows with the INLA, IRA, and criminal elements[3]. |
Drugs-related killing' |
|
[1] IRA 'may have killed' Hogan, by Valerie Robinson, Irish News,
17 July 2001
[2] Gardai contact IRA in murder probe, by Cormac O'Keeffe, Irish
Examiner, 24 July 2001
[3] Gardai have open mind as to killers of 'Shavo' Hogan, by Jim Cusack,
Irish Times, 17 July 2001 |
| 29-Jul-01 |
Gavin Brett |
18 |
M |
Civilian |
UDA / RHD |
Glengormley |
Co Antrim |
18-year-old shot in a drive-by killing near the GAA club in Glengormley,
where he was celebrating a friend's birthday in a mixed group of young
people. His killers thought he was a Catholic. A Catholic youth, Michael
Farrell, was also injured in the shooting. The Red Hand Defenders
claimed responsibility for the attack, but security assessments linked
the shooting with the UDA, which was on ceasefire at the time.[1] |
|
In August 2001, a 36-year-old man was charged with withholding information about the killing on 3 August 2001[2]. Two men were arrested in the murder investigation[3]. As of 16 July 2003, however, no one had been charged with the murder even though the Police Service allegedly knows the identity of the killer[4]. |
[1] Loyalist ceasefire still intact, insists UDP, by Liz Trainor, Irish News, 8 August 2001
[2] Brett murder case remand, Irish News, 6 August 2001
[3] Two men arrested in Brett murder, by Frank McNamara, Irish News, 4 August 2001
[4] Wall of silence shields Gerard's killers, by Sharon O'Neill, Irish
News, 16 July 2003 |
| 16-Aug-01 |
David McDowell |
34 |
M |
Civilian |
Republicans' |
West Belfast |
Co Antrim |
34-year-old Protestant beaten to death walking from one property to another while moving house[1]. |
|
A number of Catholic men who were shot in republican paramilitary
style attacks shortly after the killing were subsequently questioned
by the police. One went into hiding after being released by the police.
None were charged because police believed they had destroyed evidence
crucial to a possible conviction.[2] |
[1] Heartfelt grief for murdered brother, by Maeve Connolly, Irish News, 16 August 2002
[2] Suspect in murder case in hiding, UTV News, 15 August 2002 |
| 04-Sep-01 |
Thomas McDonald |
16 |
M |
Civilian |
Civilian |
North Belfast |
Co Antrim |
Teenage loyalist hit by a car while he was throwing objects at cars
at a sectarian flashpoint in north Belfast. The killing came during
a week of loyalist protests staged in front of a Catholic girls'primary
school (Holy Cross) near a predominantly Protestant area. The driver
of the car, Alison McKeown, is a Catholic who allegedly hit Thomas
McDonald and knocked him off his bicycle deliberately after he had
thrown a brick at her windscreen.[1] |
|
Alison McKeown (33 in 2003) was acquitted of the murder but convicted of manslaughter by reason of provocation and was sentenced to two years in jail and two years of probation. Community members are campaigning for a stiffer sentence through a petition to Westminster, meetings, and rallies.[2] |
[1] 'Holy Cross' death was manslaughter, by Thomas Harding, Belfast
Telegraph, 11 January 2003
[2] Petition call over killer's sentence, by Jonathan McCambridge,
Belfast Telegraph, 1 July 2003 |
| 28-Sep-01 |
Martin O'Hagan |
51 |
M |
Civilian |
LVF / RHD |
Lurgan |
Co Armagh |
Sunday World journalist murdered in a drive-by shooting while walking
home from pub with his wife in Lurgan. Mr O'Hagan, whose beat was
paramilitaries and crime, had coined the name 'King Rat' for Billy
Wright and was in the process of writing a book about loyalist Robin
Jackson.[1] The murder weapon used in the shooting was also used to
kill Grahame Marks[2]. |
|
No one had been charged in the murder as of June 2003, though the identities of the killers are supposedly known in the area and in media circles. The lead suspect is believed to be on the run, perhaps in hiding in England or Spain.[3] |
[1] Faith, Hate, and Murder, by Susan McKay, Guardian, 17 November 2001
[2] How the UDA kept its peace, by Sharon O'Neill, Irish News, 13
October 2001
[3] 'Guidance' needed on unsolved murders, by Sharon O'Neill, Irish
News, 24 June 2003 |
| 20' Oct 01 |
Hugh Cameron |
36 |
M |
Civilian |
UDA / RHD |
Glenarm |
Co Antrim |
Welder from Carrickfergus who disappeared after a night drinking at a bar in east Antrim town on October 20. His mutilated body, with multiple stab wounds to the head and body, was discovered in the River Skeagh four weeks later. As of April 2002, the police said that they had been unable to develop a motive or charge anyone with the murder.[1] The Irish News reported that the police were linking loyalists with the murder[2]. |
|
Four men were arrested in December 2001, but were released without charge[3]. |
[1] BBC to help in murder inquiry, by Patricia O'Hara, Irish News,
15 April 2002
[2] Loyalists linked to Cameron murder, by Sharon O'Neill, Irish News,
6 December 2001
[3] Loyalists linked to Cameron murder, by Sharon O'Neill, Irish News,
6 December 2001 |
| 29-Oct-01 |
Charles Folliard |
30 |
M |
Former UDA |
Republicans |
Strabane |
Co Tyrone |
Shot by two men while seated in his car outside his girlfriend's
home. The gunmen pushed his 16-year-old girlfriend aside and shot
him six times. The gun used was a police-issue Heckler and Koch MP5,
which had been missing for a year. Two police officers have since
been disciplined over the disappearance of the gun. The victim had
been freed three years before after spending seven years in jail over
a plot to murder a Catholic workmate, and had severed his loyalist
ties.[1] Police named the INLA as main suspects in the killing, even
though the Continuity IRA claimed responsibility[2]. |
|
|
[1] Police point finger at INLA after killing of Protestant man, by Rosie Cowan, Guardian, 9 November 2001
[2] Shooting triggers INLA threat to kill top loyalists, by Liam Clarke, Sunday Times, 13 January 2002 |
| 29-Oct-01 |
Peter McNally |
19 |
M |
Civilian |
Unknown |
Craigavon |
Co Armagh |
19-year-old shot twice in the head by 2 men while sleeping in a house on the Westacres estate in Drumgor. It was believed that he was on the run from a Youth Offenders Centre and that he was the victim of a paramilitary-style attack a few months before the killing.[1] Police originally linked the killing to criminal activities rather than sectarianism[2]. |
|
Two men, ages 47 and 28, were charged with the murder in 2001. Two others who had been arrested were released without charge.[3] |
[1] Two held in connection with murder, by Bimpe Fatogun, Irish News, 30 October 2001
[2] Soldier faces murder charge, BBC News, 30 October 2001
[3] Murder charge: two in custody, by Anne Madden, Irish News, 2 November 2001 |
| 11-Nov-01 |
Glen Branagh |
16 |
M |
UDA |
Self inflicted |
North Belfast |
Co Antrim |
16-year-old member of UDA youth wing killed when a pipe bomb he was preparing to throw exploded prematurely during rioting in north Belfast. Evidence at the inquest showed the pipe bomb originated on the loyalist side of the lines, despite loyalist claims to the contrary.[1] |
|
|
[1] Inquest says teenager died by own pipe bomb, by Barry McCaffrey and Kieran McDaid, Irish News, 29 April 2003 |
| 03-Dec-01 |
Francis (Frankie) 'Boogaloo' Mulholland |
34 |
M |
Former INLA |
LVF / RHD |
North Belfast |
Co Antrim |
Former INLA man and drugs dealer shot while sitting in stationary
car opposite a petrol station on Upper Crumlin Road. Mr Mulholland
was thought to have been murdered by loyalists who alleged that he
had double-crossed them over a drugs deal. Cocaine was found in his
vehicle. The Irish News reported that members of the UFF's 2nd Battlion
'C' company were the chief suspects in the killing, though the Red
Hand Defenders claimed responsibility. Mr Mulholland was on both a
loyalist and a republican hit list.[1] One of the guns used to kill
Mr Mulholland was also used in the murder of Billy Stobie and was
linked to recent UDA/UFF violence in north Belfast[2]. |
|
|
[1] UFF unit 'suspects in killing', by Sharon O'Neill, Irish News,
8 December 2001
[2] Stobie weapon link, by Sharon O'Neill, Irish News, 21 December
2001 |
| 12-Dec-01 |
William (Billy) Stobie |
51 |
M |
Former UDA |
UDA / RHD |
North Belfast |
Co Antrim |
Former SB informer shot dead outside his home on Forthriver Road.
His trial for aiding and abetting murder of Pat Finucane collapsed
two weeks before he was killed when the prosecution's chief witness
declined to testify on grounds of ill health. Mr Stobie had appeared
on UTV documentary admitting to being a Special Branch informer. The
killing was claimed by the Red Hand Defenders, but a senior loyalist
said shortly after the death that the UFF committed the murder because
Stobie had 'stuck two fingers up' to the organisation.[1] The weapon
used was the same as one of the weapons used to kill Francis Mulholland
and was linked to recent UDA/UFF violence in north Belfast[2]. |
|
|
[1] Taking his secrets to the grave, by Brian McCaffrey, Irish News, 13 December 2001
[2] Stobie weapon link, by Sharon O'Neill, Irish News, 21 December
2001 |
| 12-Dec-01 |
Derek Lenehan |
27 |
M |
INLA |
INLA |
Forkhill |
Co Armagh |
Died several hours after being taken from a pub at 9:00pm on 11 December 2001, bound, shot in the thighs, and abandoned along a roadside in the Forkhill area, South Armagh. This was thought to be a punishment beating that had gone wrong.[1] A 35-year-old was also shot in the left leg but survived[2]. The murder was believed to have been linked to an internal INLA feud over the proceeds of robberies that the INLA had not yet received[3]. |
|
|
[1] Murder 'was punishment attack that went wrong', by Simon Doyle,
Irish News, 13 December 2001
[2] INLA 'may have killed Dublin man', by Simon Doyle, Irish News'
13 December 2001
[3] INLA man's killing may be linked to feud, Irish Independent, 13
December 2001 |
| 03-Jan-02 |
William Campbell |
19 |
M |
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', by Seamus McKinney, Irish News,
5 January 2002
[2] UDA tribute to teen 'own-goal' bomber, by Ciaran McGuigan, Belfast
Telegraph, 25 August 2002 |
| 12-Jan-02 |
Daniel McColgan |
20 |
M |
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] |
|
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 06 |
| 16-Jan-02 |
Stephen McCullough |
39 |
M |
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 |
| 21-Feb-02 |
Matthew Burns |
26 |
M |
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] |
|
Three people who were arrested in connection with the killing were released without charge[3]. |
[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 |
| 17-Apr-02 |
Brian (Barney) McDonald |
51 |
M |
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] Following
mixed police reports and missing files, his family believe the police
are protecting an informer [4] |
|
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 [4] 'PSNI accused of cover-up in a taxi-driver murder case' by Bimpe Fatogun, Irish News, 15 November 2005 |
| 10-Jun-02 |
Mark 'Swinger' Fulton |
42 |
M |
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 |
| 22-Jul-02 |
Gerard Lawlor |
19 |
M |
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]. |
[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 |
| 01-Aug-02 |
David Caldwell |
51 |
M |
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] |
[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 and no charges, Irish News, 16 August 2002 |
| 12-Aug-02 |
Christopher Whitson |
20 |
M |
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 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 of student in club car park, Irish News Online, 29 June 05 |
| 13-Sep-02 |
Stephen Warnock |
35 |
M |
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]. |
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 |
| 04-Oct-02 |
Geoffrey 'Greyhound' Gray |
41 |
M |
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]. |
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 |
| 13-Oct-02 |
Alexander McKinley |
22 |
M |
Loyalist' |
LVF |
East Belfast |
Co Antrim |
Shot in the head by an LVF gunman on Euston Street in the Woodstock Road area of Belfast on 7 October 2002 and died in hospital six days later. Before Mr McKinley was shot, the gunman fired at a man in his 30s who escaped unharmed. Both shootings were linked to the recent loyalist feud[1], although the PSNI later suggested that these may have been some other motive for the murder of Mr. McKinley[2]. |
Loyalist feud |
|
[1] Loyalist feud victim dies, BBC News, 13 October 2002 [2] Police rethink murder motive, Irish News, 4 October 2003 |
| 11-Nov-02 |
Thomas Johnston |
24 |
M |
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 |
| 25-Nov-02 |
Stephen Byrne |
39 |
M |
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 |
| 30-Nov-02 |
Mark Apsley |
38 |
M |
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 |
| 25-Dec-02 |
David Cupples |
25 |
M |
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] |
|
A 20-year-old 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]. |
[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 |
| 27-Dec-02 |
Jonathan Stewart |
22 |
M |
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 |
| 02-Jan-03 |
Roy Green |
32 |
M |
UDA Adair faction |
UDA |
South Belfast |
Co Antrim |
Ally of Johnny Adair, shot as he left the Kimberley bar at around
7.00pm as part of the loyalist feud begun in September. Another man
escaped unhurt.[1] The UDA claimed responsibility, accusing the victim
in a statement of committing 'treason' by secretly scheming against
the UDA with Adair[2]. |
Loyalist feud |
Iain Rea (35) has been charged with the murder, possession of four guns, plastic explosives and a detonator, and possession of imitation firearms with intent to cause fear. The gun used to kill Green was found, and Rea's fingerprints were on documents and a bin liner in the same location. He is currently released on bail.[1] |
[1] Loyalist war fears after new murder, by Jamie Wilson, Guardian, 4 January 2003
[2] Loyalists killed own member for 'treason', Irish Independent,
4 January 2003 [3] Man in court over murder, Irish News Online, 27
January 06 |
| 01-Feb-03 |
John 'Grugg' Gregg |
45 |
M |
UDA |
UDA Adair faction / RHD |
Belfast |
Co Antrim |
UFF South East Antrim hardline leader shot in a taxi leaving the
Belfast docks after he returned from a Rangers/Celtic match in Glasgow.
The shooting was part of the UDA/Adair faction loyalist feud. Gregg,
who was linked to a number of recent sectarian killings, gave a newspaper
interview hours before his death in which he warned members of Adair's
faction to settle the dispute or risk a 'move against them.'[1] His
shooting was followed by a large exodus of people related to the Adair
faction and several revenge attacks, including mass vandalism of Adair's
offices, homes, posters, and murals.[2] He was the highest-ranking
UDA member to be assassinated since 1994[3]. |
Loyalist feud |
Two men were questioned immediately after the murders[4]. In April 2003, the police arrested four people as they returned to Belfast on a ferry from Scotland[5]. Six associates of Adair were arrested on 8 July 2003, three from Bolton, Greater Manchester, and three from the Shankill area, but all were released without charge[6]. |
[1] Gregg may have used trips to Scotland as murder alibi, Irish News, 3 February 2003
[2] Funeral shots send loyalist renegades into exile, by David Lister, Times, 7 February 2003
[3] Gregg murder said to be a hired hit, by Jack Holland, Irish Echo, 12-18 February 2003
[4] Gregg murder: two quizzed, by Sharon O'Neill, Irish News, 3 February
2003
[5] In brief: four held for UDA murder, Guardian, 10 April 2003
[6] Six freed in loyalist murder probe, Irish News, 9 July 2003 |
| 02-Feb-03 |
Robert 'Rab' Carson |
33 |
M |
UDA |
UDA Adair faction / RHD |
Belfast |
Co Antrim |
UDA member who was shot in the taxi with John Gregg and died early Sunday morning in the hospital[1]. (see above) |
Loyalist feud |
(see above) |
[1] Gregg murder: two quizzed, by Sharon O'Neill, Irish News, 3
February 2003 |
| 01-Mar-03 |
Michael O'Hare |
36 |
M |
Civilian |
|
Bangor |
|
Michael O'Hare died after being rescued alive by firefighters from a house blaze in March last year. PSNI believe the murder was sectarian. Police arrested two men in connection with the killing, soon after the fire. A 28 year old man was charged with murder and second man was released without charge.[1] |
|
|
[1] Shock over loyalist fire death blame, Belfast Telegraph, 22 February 2004 |
| 12-Mar-03 |
Keith Rogers |
24 |
M |
IRA |
Former IRA |
Cullaville |
Republic of Ireland |
Reportedlly shot while he and seven others were in the process of administering on attempted punishment beating. A man in a car fired on the attackers, killing Keith Rogers and wounding two other men. Both the victim of the beating and the gunman were said to have refused to pay money extorted by the IRA from the proceeds of diesel and cigarette smuggling.[1] |
|
|
[1] Extortion racket led to IRA killings, by Jim Cusack, Sunday Independent, 7 September 2003. |
| 08-May-03 |
Jim 'Jonty' Johnston |
45 |
M |
RHC |
LVF' |
Crawfordsburn |
Co Down |
Senior figure in the Red Hand Commando shot by two gunmen as part
of a loyalist feud in the drive of his home on the Ballyrobert Road
near Crawfordsburn[1]. The gun had been used in two prior killings[2].
The Crown lawyer arguing the case alleged that it was committed in
revenge for the killing of Stephen Warnock, the brother-in-law of
the accused's sister[3]. Mr Johnston was suspected of driving the
motorcycle used in Mr Warnock's murder. Mr Johnston had also allegedly
been a suspect in the murders of Adrian Porter and William Paul.[4]
A month and a half after the murder, a bomb and bullets were discovered
on Mr Johnston's property[5]. |
Loyalist feud' |
One man was arrested soon after the shooting but released without charge. Another man from Mid-Ulster was arrested on 23 May 2003.[6] On 26 May 2003, a 39-year-old man was charged with murder and his 37-year-old sister was charged with providing him with a false alibi[7]. |
[1] Hunt for killers continues as politicians urge calm, by Sharon
O'Neill, Irish News, 10 May 2003
[2] Johnston killing man held by police, by William Scholes, Irish
News, 13 May 2003
[3] Red Hand killing was 'revenge', Irish News, 29 May 2003
[4] Murder tarnishes image of Ulster's smart Gold Coast, by David Lister, The Times, 10 May 2003
[5] Three held over bomb find, BBC News, 25 June 2003
[6] Man held over loyalist killing, in News Briefs, Irish News, 24 May 2003
[7] Red Hand killing was 'revenge', Irish News, 29 May 2003 |
| 11' May 03 |
Gareth O'Connor disappeared, presumed dead |
24 |
M |
RIRA |
IRA |
Armagh |
Co Armagh |
Dissident republican who went missing from his home in Armagh on
11 May 2003 after setting out to report to Dundalk Garda S'och'na
as part of bail conditions imposed for charges of membership of an
illegal organisation. Several months later, he had not been seen or
heard from, his car has not been spotted, and he was presumed dead.
His family blame the Provisional IRA, who had a dispute with O'Connor
about a collapsed pyramid investment scheme.[1] |
IRA on dissidents' |
Three people have been questioned with regard to the disappearance, but no one has been charged[2]. |
[1] Family of missing man 'feeling pretty helpless', by William
Scholes, Irish News, 12 July 2003
[2] Family of missing man 'feeling pretty helpless', by William Scholes,
Irish News, 12 July 2003 |
| 28' May 03 |
Alan McCullough |
21 |
M |
UDA Adair faction |
UDA |
North Belfast |
Co Antrim |
Member of the Adair faction who returned to Northern Ireland from England, apparently after receiving assurances that he would not be attacked. He was last seen getting into a blue car outside his Shankhill home in the company of 2 senior UDA men, Ihab Skoukri and Mo Courtney, on 28 May 2003. He is said to have been involved with the murders of Jonathan Stewart and John Gregg. His body was found in a shallow grave on the outskirts of north Belfast on 5 June 2003.[1] |
Loyalist feud |
Two senior loyalists, ages 29 and 39, were charged with his murder in June 2003[2]. |
[1] Grim last supper for suspected UDA victim, by Barry McCaffrey, Irish News, 6 June 2003
[2] Accused denied bail in feud case, Irish News, 21 June 2003 |
| 17-Aug-03 |
Danny McGurk |
35 |
M |
Civilian |
RIRA |
West Belfast |
Co Antrim |
Father of six gunned down at his home off the Lower Falls, the day after he had allegedly gone out armed with a knife looking for dissident republicans said to have beaten him up for urinating against a house. The two gunmen shot him in the chest, thigh and ankle. He died later in hospital. |
|
|
RIRA gunmen kill Belfast man at his home, UTV News, 18 August 2003 |
| 08-Nov-03 |
John Allen |
31 |
M |
UVF' |
UVF |
Ballyclare |
Co Antrim |
Two masked men fired at him at his home, wounding him in the legs and head. He later died in hospital. He was reported as being a former UVF member. [1] Later his father said that he sustained two bullet wounds to the head and no other wounds. He also said that he was killed because he had stood up to the UVF.[2] |
|
|
[1] Murder victim linked to loyalist, BBC News, 9 November 2003 [2] UVF 'sanctioned murder, Belfast Telegraph, 10 November 2003 |
| 21-Nov-03 |
James McMahon |
21 |
M |
Civilian |
' |
Lisburn |
Co Antrim |
Three masked men beat him with baseball bat suffering serious head injuries. He died in hospital the next day.[1] |
|
|
[1] Three arrested in murder inquiry, BBC News, 4 December 2003 |
| ' |
Kieran Keane |
36 |
M |
|
|
Drombana |
Limerick |
Men jailed for life after being convicted of the murder of Kieran Keane and the attempted murder of his nephew and two counts of false imprisonment.[1] |
|
|
[1] Limerick crime boss murderers jailed for life, Irish News, 22 December 2003 |
| 24-Mar-04 |
Andrew Cully |
47 |
M |
|
UVF |
Newtownards |
Co. Down |
Cully was shot dead in his car, in a car park at a loyalist housing estate in Co. Down. He was shot at a close range by two gunmen who then escape down an alleyway. [1] |
|
A man was arrested and questioned about the murder but released without charge. [2] Others were also arrested for questioning. [3] James Clarke was charged with the murder and pled not guilty in May 2004. [4] In March 2006 Clarke was acquitted of after pleading guilty to assisting offenders. He was released on bail to await sentencing [5] |
[1] First Anniversary of the murder of Andrew Cully, PSNI Press Release, 24 March 2005 [2] Man freed in murder inquiry, BBC News, 25 March 2004 [3] Three quizzed over NI murder, UTV News, 26 May 2004 [4] Man denies Co. Down murder, UTV News, 28 May 2004 [5] Man cleared over builder's murder, BBC News, 23 March 2006 |
| 18-May-04 |
Brian Stewart |
34 |
M |
LVF |
UVF |
East Belfast |
Co Antrim |
Mr Stewart was shot dead in a gun attack as he arrived at work. Sources believe loyalist paramilitaries were involved in the murder.[1] |
|
|
[1]Man shot dead in gun attack, BBC News, 18 May 2004 |
| 03-Jun-04 |
Kevin McAlorum |
31 |
M |
INLA |
|
South Belfast |
|
Kevin McAlorum was ambushed by two gunmen who rammed his car at Derriaghy. Detectives were examining a possible drugs motive for the attack.[1] McAlorum had previously served three years of a 16year sentence for processing a gun used in the murder of an INLA man. He was released under the Good Friday Agreement [2] The victim's sister, Barbara McAlorum was shot dead by INLA gunmen nine years earlier in 1990 [3] |
|
|
[1] Drugs link to Belfast murder victim, UTV News, 03 June 2004 [2] Motive sought for school murder, BBC News, 04 June 2004 |
| 01-Oct-04 |
Darren Thompson |
22 |
M |
|
Unknown loyalist group |
Waterside, Derry |
Derry |
Shot in the head as he walked to work on 29th Sept. and died on 1st Oct. 2004 [1] |
Loyalist feud or fall-out between individual loyalists [2] |
5 people taken in for questioning but released without charge [3] |
[1] Murderers 'vermin' says father, BBC News, 7 Oct. 2004 [2] Shot man 'killed by loyalist terrorists' Belfast Telegraph, 4 Nov. 2004 [3] Terror groups deny feud as man buried, Belfast Telegraph, 5 Oct. 2004 |
| 11-Oct-04 |
James McGinley |
23 |
M |
|
Alleged IRA member |
Derry |
|
McGinley was stabbed through the heart, following a confrontation with a group of men at around 3am. The incident was caught on CCTV. A policewoman attending the murder scene was injured by a crowd as she gave McGinley first aid. [1] The McGinley family later alleged that they had been intimidated by the IRA, who were protecting the killer. |
|
Bart Fisher was arrested and charged with the murder on 13 October 2003. [3] Witnesses were allegedly prevented from coming forward by the IRA and Fisher was convicted on a lesser charge of manslaughter, and sentenced to three years imprisonment.[4] |
[1]Officer hurt at murder scene, BBC News, 11 Oct 2005 [2] Sinn Fein shields another knife killer, The Times Online, 6 March 2005 [3] Clashes as murder accused faces court, Irish News, 14 Oct 2003 [4] Adams to meet McGinley family, UTV News, 3 April 2005 |
| 01-Jan-05 |
Robert McCartney |
33 |
M |
None |
IRA members (unsanctioned) |
Markets area, Belfast |
|
Robert McCartney was drinking with friends at Magenniss' bar when
an altercation occurred between his group and some local IRA men.
[1] Robert McCartney and a friend, injured in the altercation, left
the pub to go to hospital, when they were confronted by a group of
men. [2] Robert McCartney and his friend were beaten by the gang,
using sewer rods. Robert McCartney was then stabbed in the heart and
cut from his navel to breastbone; his friend was also stabbed but
not fatally. [3] Robert McCartney died in hospital the following morning.
[3] Some of those involved in the attack returned to the pub, cleaned
the pub, hid their clothes and told those present not to talk about
what they had seen. [3]
The police came under attack when they carried out searches in the
Markets area, in the days after the murder. [4] Few witnesses came
forward in connection with the murder. Gerry Adams of Sinn Féin
stated that those involved could speak to the Police Ombudsman or
a solicitor if they wished. [5]
The IRA issued several statements claiming that they were not involved in the murder, nor were they intimidating witnesses from coming forward. [6] They also offered to shoot those responsible. [10]
Sinn Féin suspended a number of members from the organisation
for failing to provide witness statements. [7]
|
Apparently unsanctioned murder following a bar fight that got out of control. |
A number of arrests were made in connection with the killing.[8]
One man was charged with the murder of Robert McCartney and two others were charged with assault and affray. [9]
|
[1] No punishment for IRA knife killers, by Suzanne Breen, The Village, 8 February 2005
[2] McCartney invoice helps rebut Provos fund smear, by Jim Cusack, Sunday Independent, 5 April 2005
[3] Grieving sisters square up to IRA, by Henry McDonald, The Observer, 13 February 2005
[4] Brutal killing turns republicans against IRA, by Angelique Chrisafis, The Guardian, 9 February 2005
[5] Adams in appeal to catch killers, BBC News, 14 February 2005
[6] P O'Neill, Irish Republican Publicity Bureau, Dublin on CAIN Web
Service, www.cain.ulst.ac.uk
[7] Sinn Féin suspends seven after bar murder, by Angelique
Chrisafis, The Guardian, 4 March 2005
[8] Fourth arrested in murder inquiry, BBC News, 2 February 2005
[9] McCartney murder trial to proceed, BBC News, 2 July 2007
[10] Full text of IRA statement, The Guardian, 8 March 2005
|
| 28-Feb-05 |
Lisa Dorrian |
25 |
F |
|
LVF |
Ballyhalbert |
Co.Down |
Lisa went missing from a party at a caravan site, leaving behind her handbag and personal belongings. Despite the fact that her body has not been found, police are treating the case as a murder inquiry. In September Crimewatch UK featured a reconstruction of the events surrounding the disappearance[3] |
|
Three men arrested and questioned, but freed without charge.[1] In June 2005 another man was arrested. [2] Three men were arrested in February 2006 in connection with the murder but were all released a day later without charge[3] A year after the murder Police have renewed their appeal for information, and her family have offered a cash reward for information leading to the recovery of her body[4] |
[1] Lisa case cop: Tell us what you know, Sunday Life, 27 March 2005 [2] Man arrested in Lisa murder probe, BBC News, 14 June 2005 [3]Dorrian appeal on Crimewatch, Irish News, 15 September 05 [4] Men held over Lisa killing freed, BBC News, 21 February 06 [5] Sea link in missing woman probe, BBC News, 22 February 06 |
| 18-Mar-05 |
Stephen Nelson |
55 |
M |
|
UDA |
Glengormley, Belfast |
|
Nelson was assaulted in September 2004 by a group of around 10 men outside a nightclub where he worked as a doorman. He never recovered consciousness and died six months later. [1] The Independent Monitoring Commission has reported that the men who carried out the assault were members of the UDA.[2] |
|
Eight men were taken for questioning but later released without charge.[1] |
[1] Reward offered over UDA linked murder, UTV News, 18 May 2005 [2] Fifth report of the Independent Monitoring Commission, 24 May 2005 |
| 01-Jul-05 |
Jameson Lockhart |
25 |
M |
|
UVF |
East Belfast |
|
A gunman opened fire on the lorry that Lockhart was driving as he worked on the demolition of a bar, and he was hit in the chest four times. Another man who was in the lorry escaped unhurt. Lockhart had escaped a previous gun attack in January 2005 [1] and had been the target of graffiti on the Shankill Road in the weeks prior to his death. [2] He had been due to testify as the key witness in the trial of Paul Crooks for the attemp on his life in January. Crooks had also been charged with membership of the UVF, although this charge had been dropped.[3] |
|
Two men were arrested for questioning on 4th July.[1] Three men from the Belfast area were questioned in April 2006, but released without charge [2] |
[1] Feud fears after murder, Belfast Telegraph, 1 July 2005 [2] Feud Fears, News Letter, 2 July 2005 [3] Attempted murder charges dropped, BBC News, 8 July 2005 [4] Belfast loyalist has attempted murder charge dropped, Online.ie, 8 July 2005 [5] Houses searched in murder inquiry, BBC News, 4 July 2005 [6] Three men released over killing, BBC News, 20 May 2006 |
| 11-Jul-05 |
Craig McCausland |
19 |
M |
|
UVF |
Woodvale, North Belfast |
|
Three men burst into a house in Dhu Varren Park at 1:58am and opened fire. McCausland was shot and died later in hospital. [1] The attack came only hours after another shooting on the Crumlin Road, blamed on the LVF, in which a man was seriously injured. [2] A light blue Peugeot 405, suspected of being used in the lethat attack was later found on fire.[3] However, the LVF confirmed that McCausland was not one of their members [4] |
LVF/UVF feud' |
|
[1] Loyalists blamed for city murder, BBC News, 11 July 2005 [2] UVF set to 'wipe out' rivals as feuding leaves teenager dead, Irish News, 12 July 2005 [3] Teenager killed as feud escalates, Belfast Telegraph, 11 July 2005 [4] Shootings North Belfast, PSNI Press Release, 11 July 2005 [5] Party is urged to sever UVF link, BBC News, 19 July 2005 |
| 30-Jul-05 |
Stephen Paul |
29 |
M |
LVF |
UVF |
Glencairn, Belfast |
|
Paul was shot several times as he sat in a van, with a passenger, outside his father's house. His passenger was injured. [1] His family deny he was connected to the LVF. He had previously survived a murder attempt in January 1999.[2] The victim's uncle, drug dealer William 'Wassy' Paul, was killed in 1999 by Red Hand Commando Frankie Curry, apparently over a personal grudge [3] |
|
|
[1] Grim warning on loyalist feud, Belfast Telegraph, 01 August 2005. [2] Loyalist is shot dead, Sunday Life, 31 July 2005 [2] Loyalist is shot dead by Sinead McCavana, The Belfast Telegraph, 31 July 2005 |
| 10-Aug-05 |
Thomas Devlin |
15 |
M |
|
|
Somert on Road, North Belfast |
|
Thomas Devlin was stabbed to death while walking home from the local shops with two friends. [1] His murder is believed to have a sectarian motive. |
|
Two men and a male juvenile were arrested; and released without charge[1]. A man arrested in connection with the murder, and later released without charge[2] The main suspect was on bail awaiting trial for assault charges at the time of the murder. He is not believed to be a member of any loyalist paramilitary group but is described by his lawyer as 'having difficulties in relation to sectarianism'.[3] Raymond McCord, the father of murder victim Raymond McCord Jr (November 1997) accused the UVF of protecting Devlin's killers[4] A man arrested and charged with possession of ammunition with intent to endanger life, has been questioned in relation to Devlin's murder.[5] A man and a woman have been arrested in connection with Devlin's murder.[7] |
[1] Killing 'sectarian', Daily Ireland [2] Three arrested in murder inquiry, BBC News, 11.08.05 [3] Arrest after Devlin murder, UTV 20.08.05 [4]Man released in Devlin murder probe, RTE News, 21.08.05 [4]Devlin murde suspect in prison, by Barry McCaffrey, Irish News Online, 26 January 06 [5] UVF protecting killers of stabbed youth, by Ciaran Barnes, Daily Ireland, 11 January 06 [6] Man in court on ammo charges, Daily Ireland, 14 March 06[7] Two arrested over teen killing, BBC News, 15 March 06[8] |
| 15-Aug-05 |
Michael Green |
42 |
M |
LVF |
UVF |
Sandy Row, South Belfast |
|
[1] Green was shot as he got off his motorbike outside his workplace at 8.15am [2] The police believe his death is linked to the ongoing LVF-UVF feud LVF have denied Green was one of its member |
|
|
[1] Man is shot dead in city attack, BBC News, 15 August 2005. UVF is blamed for fatal shooting, BBC News, 15 August 2005 [2] Loyalists turf war claims fourth victim, UTV, 15 August 2005 [3] Police re-open road after killing, BBC News, 16 August 2005 |
| 04-Oct-05 |
Jim Gray |
47 |
M |
UDA |
UDA |
East Belfast |
|
Shot dead at his father's house in East Belfast. [1] He had recently been released on bail, following money laundering charges.[2] Police believe his murder is part of 'internal housekeeping' by UDA. [3] The UDA were formally accused of murdering Gray in a report by the Independent Monitoring Commission, submitted to the British and Irish governments [4] |
|
six men have been arrested. [4] The UDA were formally accused of murdering Gray in a report by the Independent Monitoring Commission, submitted to the British and Irish governments[5] |
[1] Few tears as loyalist thugs kill their own, The Times, 06 October 2005 [2] Murder of Gray was an 'internal matter' Newsletter, 05 October 2005 [3] UDA blamed for murder of its 'ex-brigadier' Gray, Irish News, 05 October 2005. [4] Ulster strongman's fit a familiar patten, Boston Globe, 06 October 2005 [5] UDA 'responsible' for man's murder, by Dan McGinn, The Irish Examiner, 02 February 06 [6] Eight Report of the Independent Monitoring Commission, 01 February 06 |
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| 07-Nov-05 |
Martin Conlon |
35 |
M |
Previously Real IRA |
A faction of the Real IRA |
Farnaloy Road, Keady |
Co. Armargh |
Mr Conlon, who was released 18 months ago from a 4yr prison sentence after being arrested at a Real IRA training camp. He was abducted from a friend's house by 2 men, shot with a stun gun and driven off. Later he was found unconscious by the roadside; he died in hospital from gunshot wounds to the head. [1] Dectectives believe he was the victim of a fallout with former associates from Real IRA [2] However, despite having spent time in jail for Real IRA offences it is believed that at the time of death he was no longer a member of the organisation [3] 3 men, 1 woman and a male juvenile were detained over the murder but 4 of them were released; police are still questioning one man [4] |
|
5 people are being questioned in relation to the attack, including one juvenile [5] |
[1] 'Total Shock at Shooting' by Connla Young, Daily Ireland [2] 'Shot republican freed from jail last year' Ireland Online, 08 November 2005 [3] 'RIRA lint to Conlon murder' by Connla Young, Daily Ireland, 11 November 2005 [4] 'Five now held over Conlon murder', BBC News, 17 November 2005 [5] 'Four released in gun murder probe', BBC News, 18 November 2005 |
| 03-Feb-06 |
Gerard Devlin |
39 |
M |
|
|
Whitecliff Parade, Ballymurphy |
West Belfast |
The victim was stabbed to death as he picked his children up. Two other men, related to the victim were treated in hospital following the attack [1] Devlin had moved away from the area several months previously in an attempt to resolve a long-running dispute between himself and the Notarantonio family, which had involved several severe attacks over 3 years [2] Following the murder, properties belonging to the Notarantonio family were attacked and set on fire. Police searched houses, believed to be connected to the Notarantonio family [3] The Police currently state that there is nothing to suggest paramilitary involvement in the killing [4] The Devlin family believe the police are protecting an informer and have described the PSNI investigation as 'farcical'. The Police Ombudsman is investigating the matter [5] There has been ongoing violence in Ballymurphy since the murder, including petrol bombs and the non-fatal shooting of a teenager.[6] |
|
Four members of the Notarantonio family have been charged. Paul Burns (23), Francisco Notarantinio (18), Christopher Notarantinio and his son William Notarantinio (21) were charged with murder and affray [1] Christopher Notarantonio was released on bail on condition that he surrender his passport [2] Following his claim that the passport was burnt during an arson attack on his home, Lord Justice Shiel has ordered that he report to police in England everyday [3] Paul Burns was released on bail on the condition that he remains at an address in England [4] |
[1] Man stabbed to death as chilldren play in the street, Irish News, 06 February 06 [2] Two men held over father of five's death, The Sunday Times, 05 February 06 [3] Police probe murder 'fires link', BBC News, 05 February 06 [4] Two more charged over Devlin killing, Irish News, 09 February 06 [5] Investigation branded a 'farce', Daily Ireland, 17 February 06 [6] Police appeal over city trouble, BBC News, 08 February 06, Spate of attacks continue to escalate, Irish News, 10 March 06 [6] Police wary of passport claim, Irish News, 10 March 06 [7] Bail for Devlin co-accused, Irish News, 16 March 06 |
| 19-Feb-06 |
Thomas Hollran |
49 |
M |
|
UDA |
Carrickfergus(Woodburn estate) |
County Antrim |
Thomas Hollran was found in an alleyway with serious head and facial injuries. He died later in hospital. [1] He had previously been ordered to leave Carrickfergus by the UDA and his car and home had been attacked.[2] He was residing in Belfast had returned to Carrickfergus to visit his family.[3] |
|
Three men have been arrested in connection with Hollran's murder[1] Hollran's brother and Peter Callaghan have been charged with causing Hollran to leave his home by force, threats or menace in December 2005[2] |
[1] Post-mortem due to murder victim, BBC News, 20 February 06 [2] Terror goup linked to murder probed, Belfast Telegraph, 21 February 06 [3] UDA beat my brother to death, Irish News, 20 February 06 [4] Arrests in town murder inquiry, BBC News, 22 February 06 [5] Hollran brother charged, Irish News, 25 February 06 |
| 04-Apr-06 |
Denis Donaldson |
56 |
M |
Sinn Fein |
|
Glenties |
County Donegal, Republic of Ireland |
Denis Donaldson was found dead in his remote cottage which he had recently moved to, killed by four shotgun blasts to his chest, head and arms [1] The IRA immediately denied any involvement in the killing. The victim's family stated that they believed this, and instead blamed the activities of the British Intelligence [2] Despite allegations that republicans are responsible (PIRA acting officially or individually, or dissident republicans), Bertie Ahern and Tony Blair indicated that they did not believe the killing was officially sanctioned by the IRA [3] The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Peter Hain, denied that British Intelligence was involved [4] The killing took place two days before the endeavour by Blair and Ahern to revive power-sharing in the Stormont Assembly [5] In 2002, whilst he was Sinn Fein's head of administration, Donaldson was arrested and accused of running a Sinn Fein spy ring at Stormont, which led to the collapsed of power-sharing in Northern Ireland. After a three year legal battle, charges against him and two others were dropped in "the public interest" [6] In 2005, Donaldson was exposed as a British spy. After admitting that he had been a paid agent for over 20 years, Donaldson was expelled from the party and moved to a relatives' house in Donegal [7] He was allegedly warned by the Gardai that his life might be at risk and offered him advice about personal safety. In March 2006 the Sunday World published a photograph of his cottage [8] |
|
|
[1] Killers pumped four shots into IRA 'traitor' by Tom Brady and Anita Guidera, Irish Independent, 06 April 2006 [2] IRA 'not behind' ex-spy killing, BBC News Online, 07 April 2006 [3] Republican Members suspected of killing Donaldson, by Gerry Moriarty and Dan Keenan, The Irish Times, 06 April 2006 [4] Hain: UK intelligence not involved, Daily Mail, 06 April 2006 [5] Blair: spy's murder will not ruin peace, by Michael Settle, The Herald, 06 April 2006 [6] The Execution: How an IRA man turned British spy met his brutal end, by David McKittrick, Independent Online, 05 April 2006 [7] Donaldson family release statement, UTV, 07 April 2006 |
| 16-Apr-06 |
Steven Colwell |
23 |
M |
|
|
|
|
Steven Colwell was shot as he drove through Ballynahinch. The car he was driving was allegedly stolen and had five passengers. [1]
Initially it appeared he was shot as he had failed to stop at a checkpoint. However, an eye-witness claimed that the car had stopped in traffic (just before the checkpoint), and was unable to go forward or reverse. [2] He was not armed. [1]
He was given the last rites by a Catholic priest, because he was wearing
a Celtic top. [3] He was close friends with Johnny Adair's son. [2]
However, he had suffered punishment beatings from both the UVF and
UDA. He had previously served 3 years for threatening to shoot a policeman.
[4]
The Police Ombudsman has begun an investigation. Sir Hugh Orde, the Chief Constable will be questioned about the incident by the Policing Board. [3]
He was originally from the Shankill Rd, but had been living in Cullybackey for several months. [5]
The PSNI officer responsible has not been suspended from duty. [6]
|
|
|
[1] Police shooting: How could it happen' Belfast Telegraph. 17.04.06
[2] Cops kill unarmed loyalist. Irish Voice.
[3] PSNI chief to be quizzed on shooting of car driver. Belfast Telegraph. 21.04.06
[4] Adair link to fatal shooting by police. Irish News. 18.04.06
[5] Colwell funeral takes place. Ulster TV. 24.04.06
[6] Probe into shooting at checkpoint. BBC News. 18.04.06
[1] Youth (15) beaten in sectarian attack dies. Irish Times. 09.05.04
[2] Beaten teenager dies in hospital. BBC News. 08.05.06
[3] Now its murder. Belfast Telegraph. 09.05.06
[4] Murder probe as attacked boy dies.
BBC News
08.05.06
[5] Five quizzed over Ballymena schoolboy murder. Ulster TV. 09.05.06
[6] Sectarian and Murderous. Daily Ireland. 09.05.06
[7] Streets of Fear. Belfast Telegraph. 09.05.06
|
| 08-May-06 |
Michael McIlveen |
15 |
M |
|
|
Ballymena |
Co-Antrim |
Michael McIlveen was attacked with a friend in Ballymena, at 12.30am on Sunday 7 May 2006. He was on his was home after buying a pizza, when he was confronted by a group, armed with a baseball bat. [1]
It is thought that he was attacked after an incident at the IMC cinema complex. [2]
He managed to get home where his mother realised the extent of his injuries and called an ambulance. [3]
The police are treating the attack as sectarian. [4]
Accusations against certain young individuals from the Ballymena area have appeared on www.bebo.com. [6]
DUP leader Ian Paisley has been invited to the funeral. [7]
Two 15-year-old girls have been arrested for threatening a girl. The
girl, who was a friend of Michael McIlveen's, was subjected to sectarian
abuse. [8] More than 1000 people attended the funeral, with many wearing
Celtic and Rangers shirts to demonstrate cross-community solidarity
[9]
|
|
5 people are being questioned in relation to the attack, including one juvenile. [5]
The five have been charged with the murder. They are: Aaron Wallace, 18, Christopher Kerr, 19, an unnamed 15-year-old and two unnamed 17-year-olds. [9]
Two more teenagers, aged 15 and 16, have been charged in connection with the murder. The 15-year-old has been charged with murder, and the 16-year- old with affray. [10]
|
[1] Youth (15) beaten in sectarian attack dies, Irish Times, 09 May 2006
[2] Beaten teenager dies in hospital, BBC News, 08 May 2006
[3] Now its murder, Belfast Telegraph, 09 May 2006
[4] Murder probe as attacked boy dies, BBC News, 08 May 2006
[5] Five quizzed over Ballymena school boy murder, Ulster TV, 09 May 2006
[6] Hateful chat flares on student websites in wake of death. Irish Independent. 10 May 2006
[7] Family tells '[supportive' Paisley he's welcome at Michael's funeral.
Irish Independent. 12 May 2006
[8] Michael: Two teenage girls are arrested over sectarian threat. Belfast Telegraph, 13 May 2006
[9] Jeers as five teenagers accused of school boy's murder charged.
Irish Independent. 12 May 2006
[10] Two more teens charged in relation to Ballymena murder. Irish News. 15 May 2006 [11] 'Sectarian' victim laid to rest, BBC News, 18 May 2006
|
| 29-Jul-06 |
Ronald Mackie |
36 |
M |
|
|
Tobermore |
Co. Londonderry |
Ronald Mackie had travelled to Northern Ireland to attend an Orange Order parade. It is believed a dispute occurred during a disco at Tobermore United Football Club. [1]
Mackie was assaulted by a gang of men, and then intentionally placed in the road. [2] He was hit by a red car, with a passenger on board the vehicle. [2]
The driver of the car which hit Mackie is believed to have stopped for a short time, before leaving again. [4]
Around 30 people are believed to have witnessed the attack. [3]
The UVF are suspected of being involved in the dispute was allegedly
with a local loyalist commander, and the disco was a loyalist fundraiser.
[5]
|
|
Seven men have been questioned regarding the attack. Of those, one has been arrested and released on bail, two have been released without charge, three have been charged in connection with the murder.[6] [7] [8] |
[1] Three held in NI probe. Ulster Tv. 02.08.06
[2] Man is arrested in murder inquiry. BBC News. 30.07.06
[3] Thirty people may have seen attack on Scot in Londonderry. The Herald. 01.08.06
[4] Five held in NI murder probe. Ulster TV. 31.07.06
[5] Battered to Death by UVF. Daily Ireland. 01.08.06
[6] Four still questioned on murder. BBC News. 01.08.06
[7] Third man to face murder charge. BBC News. 03.08.06
[8] Teenager arrested in murder probe. BBC News. 03.08.06
|
| 22-Aug-06 |
Mark Christie |
36 |
M |
|
UDA/UVF |
Owen Roe Drive,
Kilcooley Estate,
Bangor
|
County Down, NI |
Mark Christie was found at 11:30pm [1] He had been chased from behind a house and caught by a gang of six men, before being hacked to death in the middle of the street. A machete, screwdrivers and a hatchet were believed to have been used [2] Christie had previously been ordered to stay away from the estate by loyalist paramilitaries. It is believed he had returned to the estate to see his girlfriend.[3] |
|
Two men were arrested and questioned about the murder [4] Four men were questioned about the murder. All were released without charge.[5] |
[1] Murder victim 'hacked to death', BBC News, 23.08.06 [2] Cocaine abuser brutally hacked to death by gang, Belfast Telegraph, 24.08.06 [3] Police quiz two over murder, Belfast Telegraph [4] Loyalists blamed for hacking Bangor drug dealer to death, Irish News, 25.08.06 [5] Fourth man freed in murder probe, BBC News, 26.08.06 |
| 10-Nov-06 |
Thomas O'Hare |
33 |
M |
|
|
Foley road, Tassagh |
Keady, County Armagh |
Six men entered the home shared by Thomas O'Hare and Lisa McClatchey on 7 November 2006, doused them in a flammable liquid and set them on fire.[1] Subsequently, four brothers were admitted to hospitals in County Louth with serious burns.[1] It appeared that Thomas O'Hare and Lisa McClatchey had both been beaten with hammers before the attack.[4] The PSNI wished to speak to anyone who had information about a number of cars seen in the area.[5] |
|
The police raided a house in Claudy and took items away for examination.[2] A 43 year old man was arrested and charged with perverting the course of justice and withholding information.[3] A woman was questioned about the attack.[7] A 24 year old man was questioned in relation to the murders and released on bail.[8] |
[1]Possible fire link being examined, BBC News, 8.11.06 [2] Fireball couple fighting for lives, Belfast Telegraph, 09.11.06 [3] Man faces court over fire killing, BBC News, 12.11.06 [4] Fire couple 'beaten' court hears, BBC News, 14.11.06 [5] Tributes to blaze attack victim, BBC News, 15.11.06 [6] Arson attack victim Lisa is critically ill, Belfast Telegraph, 14.11.06 [7] Woman arrested after Armagh attack, Ulster TV, 18.11.06 [8] Man quizzed over deaths is bailed, BBC News, 19.11.06 |
| 15-Nov-06 |
Lisa McClatchey |
21 |
F |
|
|
Foley road, Tassagh |
Keady, County Armagh |
Six men entered the home shared by Thomas O'Hare and Lisa McClatchey on 7 November 2006, doused them in a flammable liquid and set them on fire.[1] Subsequently, four brothers were admitted to hospitals in County Louth with serious burns.[1] It appeared that Thomas O'Hare and Lisa McClatchey had both been beaten with hammers before the attack.[4] The PSNI wished to speak to anyone who had information about a number of cars seen in the area.[5] Lisa McClatchey was the step-grandaughter of former District Master of Portadown Orange Lodge.[6] |
|
The police raided a house in Claudy and took items away for examination.[2] A 43 year old man was arrested and charged with perverting the course of justice and withholding information.[3] A woman was questioned about the attack.[7] A 24 year old man was questioned in relation to the murders and released on bail.[8] |
[1]Possible fire link being examined, BBC News, 8.11.06 [2] Fireball couple fighting for lives, Belfast Telegraph, 09.11.06 [3] Man faces court over fire killing, BBC News, 12.11.06 [4] Fire couple 'beaten' court hears, BBC News, 14.11.06 [5] Tributes to blaze attack victim, BBC News, 15.11.06 [6] Arson attack victim Lisa is critically ill, Belfast Telegraph, 14.11.06 [7] Woman arrested after Armagh attack, Ulster TV, 18.11.06 [8] Man quizzed over deaths is bailed, BBC News, 19.11.06 |
| 12-Mar-07 |
Edward Burns |
36 |
M |
|
|
Fall Road area |
West Belfast |
The victim was shot in the back of the head in the early hours of the morning.[1] Police are searching for a silver Skoda registration PKZ 3760, anyone who may have seen the vehicle. Police searches of the area have found a shotgun and handgun.[2] It's believed the Continuity IRA may be involved with the killing and that the murder is connected to the murder of Joe Jones.[3] An INLA source denied responsibility for the murder but alleged that the deaths were a result of an internal feud between the Continuity IRA over stolen weapons used for 'unauthorised freelance jobs'.[4] A suspect in the murder escape arrest by police. The suspect abandoned a car and fled from the area. The police pursued him, and then fired six shots when he refused to halt.[5] |
|
[1] Dissident backdrop to killings, BBC News, 13 March 2007.[2] Car clue sought in murder inquiry, BBC News, 14 March 2007.[3] Dissident Republicans may be linked to the murders, Gerry Moriarty, The Irish Times, 13 March 2007.[4] INLA: We didn't kill those men, Damien McCarney, Andersontown News, 16 March 2007. [5] Police closing in on suspect in double murder investigation, Claire McNeilly and Deborah McAleese, Belfast Telegraph, 15 March 2007 |
|
| 12-Mar-07 |
Joe Jones |
38 |
M |
|
|
Ardoyne |
North Belfast |
The victim's body was discovered about 8:00am near Elmsfield Street, North Belfast.[1] The victim was badly beaten with a spade and received severe head injuries.[2] He was beaten so severely that police were finding ti difficult to identify the man. A priest who gave the man last rites also said it was impossible to recognise him.[3] It's believed the Continity IRA may be involved in the killing, and that the murder is connected to the murder of Edward Burns.[4] An INLA source denied responsiblity for the murders but alleged that the deaths were a result of an internal feud between the Continuity IRA over stolen weapons used for 'unauthorised freelance jobs'.[5] A suspect in the murder escaped arrest by police. The suspect abandoned a car and fled from the area. The police pursued him, and then fired six shots when he refused to halt.[6] |
|
[1] Dissident Republicans may be linked to murders, Gerry Moriarty, The Irish Times, 13 March 2007.[2] INLA: We didn't kill those men, Damien McCarney, Andersontown News, 16 March 2007.[3] Two killings many questions, Deborah McAleese, Belfast Telegraph, 13 March 2007. [4] Dissident Republicans may be linked to murders, Gerry Moriarty, The Irish Times, 13 March 2007.[5] INLA: We didn't kill those men, Damien McCarney, Andersontown News, 16 March 2007.[6] Police closing in on suspect in double murder investigation, Claire McNeilly and Deborah McAleese, Belfast Telegraph, 15 March 2007. |
|
| 03-Jun-07 |
Bryan James McGlynn |
28 |
M |
|
INLA |
Fountainhill, Waterside |
Derry, Northern Ireland |
Bryan McGlynn was shot several times by two masked men who broke into his house at 4:00am.[1] He died from a gunshot wound to the chest.[5] He was at home with his girlfriend. She was not injured in the shooting. [1] The perpetrators escaped in a car, believed to be a green Vauxhall Cavalier - they crossed the Craigavon bridge and turned into Abercorn road. [2] Bryan McGlynn was a doorman at Red Rooms, a nightclub in Derry. [1] The INLA claimed the murder. They said that Bryan McGlynn has been using the organisation's name for drug dealing. However, some sources continue to suspect the involvement of both PIRA and loyalists. [7] The allegations of drug dealing were denied by his father.[8] |
|
Three men, all from Derry, were arrested in connection with the murder. [3] Two further men were arrested in connection with the murder. The men came from the loyalist Fountain estate - the police were criticised by community leaders for the extensive searches which accompanied the arrests. [6] All five men were subsequently released without charge. [4] In November 2008, two men were arrested in connection with the murder. One of those arrested is also being questioned about INLA membership. [9]
Two of those arrested in November 2008 were released; a 46-year old man is still being questioned. [10]
|
[1] Masked gunmen murder doorman lying in his bed, by Bimpe Fatogun and Seamus McKinney, Irish News, 4 June 2007 [2] A professional hit' By Stephen Breen and George Jackson, Belfast Telegraph, 4 June 2007 [3] Trio held in doorman murder probe, BBC News, 4 June 2007 [4] Two more released over gun murder, BBC News, 5 June 2007 [5] Father had to identify dead son by his eyes, by Seamus McKinney, Irish News, 6 June 2007 [6] Police reject criticism of Derry arrests, by Seamus McKinney, Irish News, 7 June 2007 [7] INLA threaten drug dealers and admit killing doorman, Suzanne Breen, Sunday Tribune, 17 June 2007 [8] Father of murdered man defends son, by Seamus McKinney, Irish News, 19 June 2007 [9] Second arrest in murder inquiry, BBC News, 20 November 2008
[10] Pair released in murder inquiry, BBC News, 20 November 2008
|
| 20-Oct-07 |
Paul Quinn |
21 |
M |
|
IRA members (unsanctioned) |
Castleblaney, Co Monaghan |
Republic of Ireland |
Paul Quinn was found badly beaten at a farmhouse outside Castleblaney. He died later in hospital in Drogheda. [1] Eight men were believed to be involved in the attack which used iron bars and nail-studded cudgels. [5]
Paul Quinn went to the farmhouse after a telephone call from two of his friends, who were forced to call him and ask him to come to the farm. On arrival he, and a friend, were taken to an outhouse and beaten with iron bars. [2] Those with him also attended hospital for their injuries. [7]
A statement from Paul Quinn's family alleged that Provisional IRA
members were involved in his death. [2] This allegation was denied
by Conor Murphy, the local Sinn Féin MLA [3] and Gerry Adams
[4], who claimed the murder was linked to fuel smuggling. [6] Paul
Quinn had recently been involved in an altercation with some PIRA
members and had been told to leave Northern Ireland. [3]
|
|
As yet, there have been no arrests in connection with the murder.
[8] Two men, who are alleged to take 'the rap' for the murder, have
fled to England. [9] |
[1] IRA 'is behind our son's murder', BBC News, 21 October 2007
[2] Family say IRA beat son to death, by Barry McCaffrey, Irish News, 22 October 07
[3] Provos killed our son, Belfast Telegraph, 22 October 07
[4] McAlister insist IRA role in Quinn killing, RTE, 22 October 2007
[5] Fatal attack ordered on Paul Quinn was 'ordered by Provisional
IRA', by Suzanne Breen, Sunday Tribune, 28 October 2007
[6] Adams denies IRA involved in murder, Ulster Tv, 22 October 2007
[7] Quinn murder causes south Armagh split, by Cokm Heatley, The Post, 28 October 2007
[8] Still no arrests in murder inquiry, by Suzanne McGonagle, Irish News, 30 October 2007
[9] Quinn murder hunt: two flee to England, by Henry McDonald, The Observer, 28 October 2007
|
| 12-Feb-08 |
Andrew Burns |
27 |
M |
|
Dissident Republican |
Doneyloop, near Castlefinn |
Donegal, Ireland |
Mr Burns had left home less than an hour before he was found by 4 teenagers 800yrds from the church car park in Doneyloop. Two shots were heard coming from the car park at around 7.30pm and it is believed he dragged himself from there to the road after being shot. [1]
Gardai believe those responsible escaped in a silver car. A silver Rover was later found burnt out near Londonderry [2] Two cars were being sought in connection with the attack[3]
Police believe he may have been killed by dissident republicans [1] The Real IRA, the Continuity IRA and the INLA denied being involved. [4]
Police were also investigating a possible criminal involvement. [3]
It was alleged that Mr Burns had been a member of the Real IRA. [5] He had survived a shooting several years ago- possibly a punishment due to his refusal to co-operate with an internal investigation into criminal behaviour by RIRA members.[6] Following that attack, he is believed to have left the Real IRA and joined a breakaway group- Oglaigh na hEireann [7]
Oglaigh na hEireann are alleged to be responsible for the murder.[8] Andrew Burns was allegedly targeted because he was believed to be a British agent. Suspicion had stayed with him after he went public in 2006 and reported that Special Branch had been attempting to recruit him.[9] His photograph was published in the Daily Ireland newspaper alongside his claims. [11]
Another suggestion was that he was suspected of links with criminal gangs connected to loyalists. [9]
|
Internal dispute |
Three men from the Strabane area were arrested in connection with the murder on February 22nd 2008 and held at Antrim Serious Crime Suite. [10] The men were later released without charge. [12] |
[1)] Man shot dead in Co Donegal, Ulster TV, 13 February 2008
[2] Murdered man 'had been abducted', BBC News 24, 13 February 2008
[3] Gardai travel north to discuss killing, Seamus McKinney, Irish News, 14 February 2008
[4] Border murder group told to disband, Will Ellison, Belfast Telegraph, 14 February 2008
[5] Member of Real IRA found shot dead in churchyard, Henry McDonald, The Guardian, 14 February 2008
[6] Small,splinter dissident group behind murder, Suzanne Breen, Sunday Tribune, 17 February 2008
[7] Dissident group 'riddled with informers'- claim, Derry Journal,
15 February 2008
[8] Man 'targeted by killers' fled four weeks ago, Seamus McKinney
and Allison Morris, The Irish News, 15 February 2008
[9] Dissident victim's claim over cops tout approach, Stephen Breen,
Belfast Telegraph, 17 February 2008
[10] Three arrested after murder, Ulster TV, 22 February 2008 [11] Murder suspect had made informer claim, Seamus McKinney, The Irish News, 23rd February 2008
[12] Men released without charge in murder probe, Newsletter, 23 February 2008
|
| 24-Jun-08 |
Emmett Shiels |
22 |
M |
|
|
Creggan, Derry |
Co. Derry |
Emmett Shiels was shot by a group of masked men at Bligh's Lane in the Creggan area in at around 1am; while intervening on behalf of a group of youths who were being threatened by a group of armed men. He later died in hospital from a wound to his chest/abdomen. The police believed five or six people were involved; and they claimed to know who they were and urged them to come forward. A possible link to paramilitary death threats issued to four Derry men was being investigated. According to the media it was rumoured that dissident republicans were responsible for the killing. The INLA denied responsibility. The 32 County Sovereignty Movement denied the involvement of the Real IRA. Detectives were reported to believe that the group of men involved in the murder were INLA members. |
|
|
|
| 11-Feb-09 |
James (jim) Connell |
39 |
M |
|
|
Woodland, Prehen, Waterside |
|
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. 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. James McConnell died shortly after being taken to Altnagelvin hospital. 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. 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 (INLA), and the possibility of a drugs-related motive. 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. 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." The Continuity IRA had issued death threats to a number of civilians in Derry prior to the incident. DUP MLA William Hay said he believed dissident republicans are to blame. Sinn Fein condemned the murder. MLA Raymond McCartney described it as a "gangland style killing" |
|
|
|
| 07-Mar-09 |
Sapper Mark Quinsey |
23 |
M |
Army |
Real IRA |
Massereene Barracks |
Antrim |
The shooting happened at 9:40 pm. The perpetrators were aware that the soldiers had a regular routine of ordering on a Saturday night. It is understood that either a car or a van pulled 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 our 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 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]
|
|
|
[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] Detectives Appeal For Information On A Car That May Have Been Used In Massereene Murders, PSNI website, 9 March 2009
[8] IRA splinter group says it killed troops, by Mary Jordan, Washington Post, 9 March 2009
[9] Huge manhunt for RIRA murderers, by Tom Brady, Shane Phelan and Senan Moloney, The Independent, 9 March 2009
[9] Huge manhunt for RIRA murderers, by tom Brady, Shane Phelan and Senan Molony, The Independent, 9 March 2009
[10] Turn them in, The Times, 9 March 2009
[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
|
| 07-Mar-09 |
Sapper Patrick Azimka |
21 |
M |
Army |
Real IRA |
Massereene Barracks |
Antrim |
See above |
|
|
See above |
| 09-Mar-09 |
Constable Stephen Carroll |
48 |
M |
PSNI |
Continuity IRA |
Lismore Manor, Craigavon |
County Antrim, 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]
|
|
|
[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
|
| 24-May-09 |
Kevin McDaid |
49 |
M |
|
|
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]
|
|
Nine men were being questioned by police. [7] |
[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
|
| 24-Feb-10 |
Ciaran Doherty |
31 |
M |
|
Real IRA |
Brae Head Road, near Derry |
Londonderry |
His body was found at 10:30 pm by a member of the public. A priest visited him and gave him the last rites. [1] Both Sinn Fein and the SDLP visited the scene. [2]
He was last seen leaving his home at 8:00pm on Wednesday. In November
2009, he gave an interview to a local paper in which he claimed he
had been approached by MI5. [3] He had previously served time in prison
and, according to his family, was under 'continuous harassment' from
MI5. [4]
The Real IRA claimed responsibility for the murder and said he 'was
a senior member of our organisation who was executed because he became
involved with a criminal gang with links to the drug trade'. [5] The
murder was claimed in a coded telephone call to a local journalist.
[6]
His family issued a statement in which they said that 'we repeat that
he neither an informer nor a criminal. He was never in his life associated
with drugs'. [7]
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[1] Shot man found in Londonderry, Newsletter, 25 February 2010
[2] Politicians condemn gun murder, Belfast Telegraph, 25 February 2010
[3] Derry shooting victim named as Ciaran Doherty, BBC News, 25 Feb 2010
[4] Derry family hit out at MI5, Ulster TV news, 27 February 2010
[5] Priest says family of Derry victim 'in anguish', by George Jackson
and Gerry Moriarty, Irish Times, 27 February 2010
[6] MI5 'made approach to Real IRA assassination victim' by Brendan
McDaid, Belfast Telegraph, 26 February 2010
[7] Real IRA victim 'not an informer', Belfast Telegraph, 26 February
2010
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| 28-May-10 |
Bobby Moffet |
43 |
M |
UVF |
Alleged UVF |
Shankill Road |
Belfast |
Bobby Moffett was shot dead on the Shankill Road shortly before 1pm. [1] Eyewitnesses said he was shot in the face by two masked gunmen. [3] Four shots were fired. [3] The perpetrators ran off down Conway Street. [1]
Bobby Moffett was understood to be a member of the Red Hand Commando. [1] He had been expelled from the organisation, before the standing-down process began in May 2007. [2] He had previously had a run-in with a senior UDA figure; the UDA had subsequently asked for Bobby Moffet to be shot but the RHC had refused. [2] The motive for this attack was believed to be the fact he had fallen out with loyalist figures. [3]
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A 40 year old man was arrested. [4]
Two men, aged 31 and 25, are being questioned by police. [5]
Two men, aged 35 and 49, who were arrested in connection with the murder were unconditionally released. [6]
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[1] Loyalist Bobby Moffet shot dead on Belfast's Shankill Road,
Belfast Telegraph, 28 May 2010
[2] A violent, drug-addled ex-terrorist who had made many enemies, by Brian Rowan, Belfast Telegraph, 29 May 2010
[3] Shankill shooting victim 'fell out' with other loyalists, Belfast
Telegraph, 29 May 2010
[4] Man arrested in Belfast over Shankill UVF shooting, BBC News, 29 May 2010
[5] Moffett murder: mother brands killers 'scum', by Michael McHugh,
Belfast Telegraph, 1 June 2010
[6] Post-murder meetings indicates UVF ceasefire under scrutiny, by Barry McCaffrey, Irish News, 1 June 2010
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