Legacy detectives re-open two sectarian murders
Investigations into the murders of two Catholic workmen in Belfast in the late 80s and early 90s have been reopened by Legacy Investigation Branch detectives.
The murders, which were carried out by loyalists, have been re-opened as a result of new information received by detectives, according to police, and they are now appealing to anyone with further information to come forward.
Detective Inspector Neil McGuinness, from LIB, explained: “Both these men were innocent Catholics who were murdered for no other reason than their religion.
“Two families were left devastated; two wives lost their husband and their children lost their father at the hands of callous murderers.”
On 23 July, 1989, John Benedict Devine was shot dead in his home in the Fallswater Street area of west Belfast.
At around 2pm, the 37-year-old married father was sitting in the living room of his home with his 13-year-old son when three men forced their way in and fired shots at him before escaping in a blue Vauxhall Cavalier taxi.
On 17 April 1991, John Joseph Gerard O’Hara was shot in the Dunluce Avenue area of south Belfast.
The 41-year-old married father was working as a temporary taxi driver for the night. He had gone to the area at approximately 10.15pm to pick up a passenger when he was approached by two masked men who fired several shots at the vehicle, fatally injuring him.
The men then fled on foot down an entry between 124 and 126 Dunluce Avenue.
DI McGuinness said the public could hold the vital clues.
“As a result of information we have recently received, we believe we are now in a position to progress both these investigations however we need the help of the public,” he continued.
“I am appealing to anyone who was in the area at the time of either of the murders or anyone who has information in relation to the activities of loyalists in the area in the late 80s and early 90s to come forward.
“Many years have now passed since these tragic events and no-one has ever been charged in relation to them. However, we believe there are still people out there who can help us find those responsible and I would urge them to contact detectives.”
The families of the two murdered men have “cautiously welcomed” the cases being reopened, according to their solicitor Padraig Ó Muirigh.
“Since the deaths of their loved ones they have suffered a catalogue of disappointments in their pursuit of justice and endured failed police investigations,” a statement said.
“Both families have cautiously welcomed this development and will monitor the progress of the new investigation in the coming days and weeks.”
Anyone with information should contact detectives on 101 or 028 9258 9140.
