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29/07/2003
Police open investigation into 29-year-old murder case
Police are to mount an investigation into the 1974 murder of independent nationalist councillor Patrick Joseph Kelly following a review of the case.
Mr Kelly (33) disappeared after locking up the Corner Bar in the village of Trillick in Co Tyrone on 24 July 1974.
His body was discovered three weeks later, more than 10 miles away in Co Fermanagh, tied to weights in Lough Eyes near Lisbellaw. Mr Kelly had been shot a number of times on the Badoney Road as he drove to his home at Golan.
Detective Superintendent Andrew Hunter, who is leading the investigation, said detectives would be conducting house to house inquiries in Trillick and visiting the various scenes of specific incidents in the Kelly case.
DS Hunter also said police would be investigating claims that military patrols had been operating in the area on the night of the murder. He appealed to anyone who was in the area on the night in question and saw a military patrol or was stopped by one to come forward.
He added: "I would urge anyone with information to come forward and talk to me. I am aware of the controversy surrounding this case, of rumours and allegations. I am acutely aware of the sensitivities and difficulties involved, but my objective is to uncover the truth and, if possible, bring those responsible for Mr Kelly's murder before a court."
A murder investigation incident room has been set up at Maydown police complex and anyone with information can speak to detectives on a special telephone number 028 7137 9795.
(MB)
Mr Kelly (33) disappeared after locking up the Corner Bar in the village of Trillick in Co Tyrone on 24 July 1974.
His body was discovered three weeks later, more than 10 miles away in Co Fermanagh, tied to weights in Lough Eyes near Lisbellaw. Mr Kelly had been shot a number of times on the Badoney Road as he drove to his home at Golan.
Detective Superintendent Andrew Hunter, who is leading the investigation, said detectives would be conducting house to house inquiries in Trillick and visiting the various scenes of specific incidents in the Kelly case.
DS Hunter also said police would be investigating claims that military patrols had been operating in the area on the night of the murder. He appealed to anyone who was in the area on the night in question and saw a military patrol or was stopped by one to come forward.
He added: "I would urge anyone with information to come forward and talk to me. I am aware of the controversy surrounding this case, of rumours and allegations. I am acutely aware of the sensitivities and difficulties involved, but my objective is to uncover the truth and, if possible, bring those responsible for Mr Kelly's murder before a court."
A murder investigation incident room has been set up at Maydown police complex and anyone with information can speak to detectives on a special telephone number 028 7137 9795.
(MB)
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