10 January 2024 , 13:49
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A man shot dead in Belfast was at the time out on bail as the suspect in a murder investigation.
On Tuesday evening Kevin Conway was shot and killed near his home in the Greenan area of the city, almost exactly a year after the killing he was accused of committing. The 26-year-old’s murder is now being investigated by detectives from the Police Service of Northern Ireland’s Major Investigation Team.
Conway had been on bail after being charged with the January 2022 murder of Shane Whitla, in Lurgan - an attack allegedly linked to drugs and a local gang. The BBC reported that the shooting was linked to an organised crime gang known as the Firm.
During court hearings over last year, it was heard that Conway was under threat. Despite the best efforts of Northern Ireland Ambulance Service paramedics, who were called shortly before 9.30pm, Conway died at the scene. Detective Chief Inspector Neil McGuinness said: "My thoughts are with Mr Conway’s family, who are left trying to come to terms with their loss."
Irish News reported that last year’s murder was an "execution" style killing which took place in an alleyway in which the victim was allegedly lured to his death. Prosecutors reportedly claimed that the first killing took place over an alleged drug debt to the gang.
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Conway was granted bail twice despite absconding from police on one occasion in his socks - before he handed himself back in. This morning, a large police presence remained in the area, including forensics and a K-9 dog unit.
Kevin Conway was killed last night in West Belfast
Conway was accused of committing a murder almost a year ago to the daySinn Féin MP Paul Maskey, representative for West Belfast, said: "There is shock in the local community after a man was shot dead in the Greenan area on Tuesday night. This is a brutal killing and a family have now been left grieving as a result.
"I unreservedly condemn it. There is no place for guns on our streets. Cordons are still in place and people are advised to avoid the area at this time. A murder investigation is now underway and I would urge anyone with information to bring it forward to the police."
Detective Chief Inspector McGuinness is appealing to anyone with information to contact detectives on 101, quoting reference 1714 09/01/2024.