The family of a man murdered in Warrenpoint have begged the public for help to catch his killers on the fifth anniversary of his death.
Wayne Boylan was murdered at a house on the Lower Dromore Road, on Friday, January 19, 2019.
Today, (Thursday), the PSNI’s Major Investigative Team have confirmed a £20,000 reward from the Crimestoppers charity, in a to help find and put those responsible behind bars.
The 37-year-old’s family made an emotional appeal in a statement, in which they said five years had passed since Mr Boylan was “cruelly” taken from them.
“It’s been the longest five years and yet, at the same time, it feels like yesterday,” they said. ” It’s all so painfully vivid. The sadness just doesn’t go away, and we miss Wayne every single day.
“Wayne was brutally killed. He didn’t deserve to have his life taken at the hands of others, no one does.
“Those who carried out this cowardly and cruel murder are dangerous. There’s nothing that can bring Wayne back to us, but these people deserve to be brought to justice and they deserve to be behind bars.
“We, as a family, can only appeal for your help, which could make all the difference. If you have any information at all, if you know what happened and who was responsible, please come forward. It’s not too late. Thank you.”
The family spoke as detectives issued a renewed appeal for information on the murder of Wayne Boylan.
The appeal, which comes on the fifth anniversary of his murder, is backed by a reward of up to £20,000 from the charity Crimestoppers.
For the first time, the reward has been extended to include information in respect of injuries sustained by Wayne Boylan’s friend.
Mr Boylan was shot dead in Warrenpoint.
Detective Chief Inspector Anthony Kelly said: “He had been spending an evening with friends when two masked attackers, armed with a shotgun, burst into the house. This was just before 7.30pm.
“Wayne was shot in this shocking and cold-blooded attack and, sadly, died at the scene.
“Pellets from the blasts also struck a woman, Wayne’s friend, in the face and neck. She subsequently had to undergo emergency surgery and remained critically ill for some time.”
Detective Chief Inspector Kelly continued: “The reward from Crimestoppers, originally for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for Wayne’s murder, has been extended. It’s now offered to include information on the offence of grievous bodily harm with intent, in respect of injuries sustained by Wayne’s friend.
“One young life was cut short, another seriously injured, and others could all too easily have been killed that tragic evening.”
Detective Chief Inspector Kelly continued: “This fatal shooting left a loving family bereft. Their lives changed forever when Wayne was murdered. And, five years on, they understandably remain heartbroken.
“I am asking you to do the right thing and come forward with information. I know people may be frightened to take this step, and I’m keen to stress that you can contact Crimestoppers, who are independent of police, with complete anonymity.”
A spokesperson for the charity Crimestoppers added: “We are supporting the police by offering a reward for information that Crimestoppers exclusively receives via our website www.crimestoppers-uk.org or by calling our Contact Centre on 0800 555 111.
“Crimestoppers gives people an option to speak up without police contact or any comeback. Computer IP addresses are never traced. Telephone calls are never recorded, there is no caller line display and no 1471 facility.
“The reward is only payable for information passed directly to Crimestoppers, and rewards normally expire after three months. Anyone who contacts our charity will stay 100% anonymous – always.”
Alternatively, contact detectives on 101, quoting reference number 1115 of 18/1/19.
