BELFAST, Northern Ireland – The recent shooting of a man in west Belfast has raised concerns as it appears to be linked to a previous murder in Lurgan. Kevin Conway was shot dead in the Greenan area of west Belfast on Tuesday night. It is suspected that Conway was involved in the murder of Shane Whitla in Lurgan a year ago, according to court hearings in 2023.
The Northern Ireland Ambulance Service was called to the scene just before 21:30 GMT on Tuesday, but Conway died at the scene. Police have cordoned off the area and are currently investigating the incident.
During a press conference, Detective Inspector Gina Quinn described the murder as a “horrific, calculated, and ruthless” act that took place in a busy residential area. She emphasized the need to find the perpetrators of such a “cold-blooded” act, regardless of Conway’s alleged connections to previous incidents.
Local politicians have condemned the killing, with Sinn Féin’s Paul Maskey expressing the view that there is no place for guns on the streets of Belfast. The incident has sent shockwaves through the community, leading to increased police presence in the area in the coming days.
The Firm, an organized crime gang operating in Northern Ireland, has been implicated in previous murders and is heavily involved in drug dealing. The group has a history of criminal activity and is known to comprise individuals with both loyalist and republican backgrounds.
The murder of Kevin Conway in west Belfast has raised concerns about ongoing criminal activity and violence in the region. Investigators are working to gather information and find those responsible for the ruthless killing, while community leaders are urging for an end to the violence on the streets.