Murder investigation into 1974 Army shooting
Police have launched a murder investigation into the death of a man who was shot by soldiers in Co Tyrone more than 40 years ago.
John Pat Cunningham died after members of an Army patrol opened fire in Benburb on 15 June 1974.
The 27-year-old Catholic, who had a mental age of between six and 10, was struck three times as he ran from the soldiers.
On Tuesday, detectives from the PSNI’s Legacy Investigation Branch said they have reopened the case and a murder investigation has been started, following “an assessment of the available evidence”.
They appealed for witnesses to come forward.
However the family of John Cunningham have said they do not believe the PSNI should be investigating the case.
They have raised concerns that the move will rule out a new, independent inquiry under the Historical Investigations Unit proposed in the Stormont House Agreement.
“The Cunningham family were not informed this appeal was being made today,” a statement from the Pat Finucane Centre said.
“They first heard about it through the media.
“We have no confidence in the PSNI’s ‘Legacy Investigations Branch’ which has launched this public appeal.”
Detective Inspector Neil McGuinness, who is leading the murder investigation, said police have already made a number of enquiries into the circumstances surrounding what happened.
“We have now reached a point where it is appropriate and necessary to ask for assistance from not only the local community in Benburb, but also from people who may have moved away from the area or are in other parts of the world, if the investigation is to be fully progressed,” he added.
“Firstly, I would like to speak to people who knew John Pat, what sort of a young man he was, his interests, his lifestyle, his concerns.
“Secondly, I want to speak to anyone who has knowledge of any previous encounters or incidents involving John Pat and soldiers. It doesn’t matter what these were or what they amounted to – I just need to know about them.
“Finally, I would like to speak to anyone who was a witness to the fatal shooting itself at Carrickaness, Benburb at 11.50am on Saturday 15 June 1974, who has information about the incident or who engaged with soldiers at the time.
“It is my intention to deploy detectives to the Benburb area to engage with the community and I would encourage anyone who has information to discuss it with my officers.
“I would ask anyone who thinks they can help to contact us on 028 9258 9140 or 07585 228 283.”
