A man shot dead in west Belfast on Tuesday night was facing charges in relation to the murder of Shane Whitla in Lurgan, last year.
Kevin Conway, 26, originally from Deeney Drive in Lurgan, was murdered in the Greenan area of Belfast – just three days prior to the first anniversary of Mr Whitla’s brutal killing in the Co Armagh town.
The 39-year-old father of four,was shot in an alleyway off Woodville Street on January 12, 2023.
Mr Conway was one of three men charged in relation to the incident and recent court hearings suggested he was under threat of reprisal.
It was alleged in court last July that he set Mr Whitla up in phone calls which lured him to the scene of the shooting.
Mr Conway was released on bail despite strong police and prosecution objections around the fact he had done “a runner” from police on his previous release from custody.
Detectives from the PSNI’s Major Investigation Team, officially named the deceased this afternoon (Wednesday).
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.”
Detective Chief Inspector McGuinness is appealing to anyone with information to contact detectives on 101, quoting reference 1714 09/01/2024.
Information can also be provided to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org
