The son of a part-time UDR man who was shot dead 36 years ago in County Tyrone has said his father’s murder “still feels just like yesterday”.
Ryan Jamison was speaking as a fresh appeal was made by the Independent Commission for Reconciliation and Information Recovery, which is investigating the death of Thomas (Tommy) Jamison.
He was shot and killed on Thursday, March 8, 1990 on the Castlecaulfield Road, between Castlecaulfield and Donaghmore.
Tommy was a married father of three children; he was a lorry driver for Henry Brothers, Magherafelt, and a part-time sergeant in the UDR based at Magherafelt.
The investigation is being led by Assistant Commissioner, Amanda Logan.
Speaking about the appeal for information she said: “Tommy was killed thirty-six years ago, and I believe there may be people who have carried memories about his death for all this time, information which could prove vital in providing answers to his family.
“The Commission’s previous witness appeals have proven incredibly helpful in uncovering new information which has assisted our investigations. If you saw the attack on Tommy or know anything related to it, I encourage you to contact the Commission and share what you know. All information will be treated in the strictest confidence.”
Speaking on behalf of the Jamison family, Tommy’s son Ryan said “Although it has been thirty-six years since our dad’s murder, for all the family it still feels like just yesterday.”
“Dad was a hardworking, devoted family man and although on paper he was a lorry driver, to us he was the world.”
“Our family has always struggled to comprehend this tragedy; he did not deserve this and his death has left an unfillable void in our hearts. Someone knows the truth and we ask you to search your conscience and do the right thing. It’s never too late.”
Mr Jamison was shot at approximately 4:55pm on 8 March 1990.
The following sequence of events led up to the attack.
Between 3pm and 3:30pm, a number of masked gunmen entered the home of a family in the Donaghmore area. They remained at the house until a short time before the shooting. The men left the scene in the homeowners’ white Ford Sierra Estate, registration A224 FLL.
At around 4:45pm on the same day, masked gunmen entered the home of a family at Foygh Road, Donaghmore. The house overlooked the junction of Castlecaulfield to Donaghmore Road and Foygh Road.
Mr Jamison was driving a white Mercedes Benz cement mixer lorry, registration JIW 6712, along the Castlecaulfield to Donaghmore Road travelling in the direction of Donaghmore.
At approximately 4:55pm, as he approached the Castlecaulfield Road junction with Foygh Road, the gunmen opened fire on him from outside the house on Foygh Road. He was shot multiple times and died from his wounds at the scene.
The gunmen escaped at speed up the Foygh Road in the stolen white Ford Sierra and travelled along Gortnagola Road, abandoning the car on Kilnaslee Road.
Assistant Commissioner Logan said the Commission is working to provide answers to the Jamison family.
“No one was ever convicted in relation to Tommy’s killing and like so many families who lost loved ones during the Troubles/Conflict the Jamison family are still waiting for answers,” she said. “The Commission’s investigation aims to put this right and this appeal for information is a key part of uncovering the truth of what happened that awful day.”
