‘Gunmen set out to execute’ – shooting victim
A man who was shot in the face in his north Belfast home, says the gunmen set out to execute him.
Two masked gunmen forced their way into Daniel Murray’s home in St James Mews on Sunday evening.
He was shot in the face at near point blank range.
The 53-year-old said: “He shot me in the face, no questions asked, he just shot me straight in the face.”
The bullet broke the 53-year-old’s cheek bone before travelling down his neck and out through his left shoulder.
Doctors said it was “miraculous” he did not suffer more serious injuries.
Less than 24 hours after undergoing emergency surgery, Mr Murray was discharged from hospital.
Daniel said: “It was an execution, most definitely. It was one face shot, one head shot, they didn’t aim for anywhere else.
“I’ve no idea why, there was no warning.”
The pizza delivery driver added: “I’ve been given a second chance and I want to find out why.
“They are accusing me of drug dealing and I want them to prove it.
“They’ve branded me a drug dealer – and I’m not.”
Partner Ciara Austin added: “We’ve been left in limbo worrying if they will come back.
“We are just ordinary people living our lives and we could have been burying Daniel today.”
The couple said they didn’t think they would remain in the home.
Ciara added: “I don’t want to feel these people have driven us out of our home but it was one of the most terrifying experiences you’ll ever go through.
“And I want to know what gives them the right to think they can come into our home and take away the person I love and the father of my son for no reason.
“It’s not fair, they are just cowards.”
