Further interviews are to be conducted in relation to the murder of a Dungannon pensioner who sustained serious injuries following an assault.
Adam Krzan, 71, was discovered at his home in Corrainey Park, on February 27.
Emergency services attended, however, he passed away at the scene.
Four people were arrested in the days afterwards however all were released on bail pending further enquiries.
On April 3 searches were carried out in the Dungannon area during which a number of items including a vehicle were seized.
Following this, two men were arrested and later charged, appearing separately before Dungannon Magistrates’ Court.
Ryan Patrick Martin Kerr (33) from Derrylattinee Road, Dungannon is accused of murdering Mr Krzan and robbing him of money.
It is further alleged he was equipped for burglary by having a knife.
To date he has not applied for bail and is remanded in custody.
Meanwhile, 34-year-old Michael John Ennis from Cloneen, Dungannon is charged with perverting the course of justice, assisting an offender and withholding information.
A detective constable previously confirmed both the charges could be connected.
She explained police received a report of an incident in the victim’s home and “met with a very disturbing scene with a large volume of blood”.
Mr Krzan was stabbed three times to the chest and twice to the neck.
When initially spoken to Kerr stated he knew Ennis but he, in turn, denied this.
“It is our belief that information is false,” said the detective.
Ennis denied being the area at the time which police say “was untrue and misleading. There is much CCTV and we believe he was there to convey Kerr from the scene. There was quite a lot of contact with Kerr prior to and after the incident.”
Ennis denied any knowledge of Kerr but while in custody claimed he knew him as RPK and any contact is for gay sex.
CCTV footage was found of Ennis’ car outside Kerr’s home after the murder but when shown this he made no comment.
Objecting to bail the detective said: “This is a large and complex investigation with much still to be done. The status of all persons connected to this is being reviewed daily. We believe they are all known to Ennis. He has strong links outside the jurisdiction and was attempting to leave the country having booked a flight to Tenerife the day before his arrest.”
She continued: “There are numerous items still to be recovered and we believe if released the defendant could interfere.”
Under cross-examination the detective confirmed Ennis would be considered vulnerable with significant mental and physical issues.
The defence suggested he could be released to reside with his parents in County Kildare, but the detective rejected this as bail conditions could not be appropriately monitored.
District Judge Francis Rafferty enquired if Ennis is employed and when told he isn’t asked: “Who was paying for the holiday to Tenerife?”
The defence replied” “He had a recent windfall. His partner won £7,000 on an online casino.”
After consideration Judge Rafferty refused bail.
At the most recent sitting it emerged Ennis has since applied for High Court bail which was also refused.
A prosecuting lawyer said: “Police are continuing to make witness, telecoms and financial enquires. They also intend to interview further suspects later this month including Ennis’ partner for offences against the administration of justice. Timelines are also expected for forensic and pathology and reports which are anticipated to be ready by June.”
Judge Rafferty remanded both accused in continuing custody to appear again by video-link on May 28.
