NI Disappeared remains identified
The remains recovered from a Co Antrim beach last month were that of Disappeared victim Peter Wilson, the authorities have confirmed.
The 21-year-old west Belfast man, who had special needs, was murdered and secretly buried after going missing from his Beechmount home in August 1973.
His remains were found at a beach in the picturesque seaside town of Waterfoot in the Glens of Antrim after a tip-off believed to have come from within the republican movement.
Sir Ken Bloomfield and Mr Frank Murray, Commissioners of The Independent Commission for the Location of Victims Remains, said the remains were identified following a DNA examination.
“The results positively indicate that the remains are those of Mr Peter Wilson“, they said in a statement.
“The Coroners Service for Northern Ireland has accepted this as evidence of identification and has authorised the release of the remains to the family. The thoughts of everyone in the Commission are with the Wilson family at this difficult time.”
The family said they are “comforted” by the news, and will bury Mr Wilson beside his mother and father at Milltown Cemetary in Belfast later this month.
“Peter would never have travelled far,” a statement on Tuesday said. “He would always have stayed close to home. We are comforted that we will finally be able to bring him home for Christian burial in order that he may rest in peace.”
It is the first time one of the Disappeared has been recovered in Northern Ireland.
The IRA leadership has never admitted responsibility for the murder.
Fifteen men and one woman are believed to have been murdered and “disappeared” during the Troubles.
Mr Wilson is the ninth victim to be recovered. Eight bodies have also been found at rural sites in the Republic of Ireland. Active investigations by the ICLVR into the whereabouts of the remaining Disappeared are continuing.
The funeral of Peter Wilson will be held in Holy Cross on Belfast’s Crumlin Road on December 17.
