Man murdered in Belfast shooting was suspect in gangland killing

A 26-year-man shot dead in a “calculated and ruthless” murder in west Belfast was a suspect in a gangland killing.

The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) has opened an investigation after Kevin Conway was fatally wounded in his home at Rossnareen Park, a nationalist area off the Shaws Road, on Tuesday.

Mr Conway, who was originally from Lurgan, was of three men charged in relation to the murder of Shane Whitla in the Co Armagh town last January. During a court hearing last year it was reported that Mr Conway was under threat. Mr Whitla’s killing was linked to a Co Armagh criminal gang known as The Firm.

At a press conference on Wednesday, PSNI Det Insp Gina Quinn confirmed Mr Conway was shot multiple times and pronounced dead at the scene.

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“This was a horrific, calculated and ruthless murder, carried out in a busy residential area. Such cold-blooded brutality has absolutely no place in our society,” she said. “This isn’t about what Kevin may or may not have been linked to, this is about trying to find his killers. Any incidents linked to Kevin form part of the ongoing police investigation and will be looked at as a line of enquiry.”

The senior detective said she understood that “people are feeling afraid”.

“But we can all agree those responsible for this shocking murder have no place in our society. The streets will be safer when they are behind bars,” she said. “If you have any information, no matter how insignificant it may seem, please contact us. I’m appealing directly to local people to have the confidence to tell us anything they know. Kevin’s family deserve justice.”

The Northern Ireland Ambulance Service said paramedics were called to the scene just before 9.30pm on Tuesday.

The shooting was condemned by local political representatives with West Belfast MP Paul Maskey saying there was “shock in the local community”.

“This is a brutal killing and a family have now been left grieving as a result. I unreservedly condemn it. There is no place for guns on our streets,” he said.

Local SDLP councillor Paul Doherty said the incident had “sent shockwaves through our community” and his thoughts were with the family and friends of the deceased.

“Violence like this is a scourge on our society and creates serious fear among people living in this community,” he said. “I would appeal for anyone with information to come forward to police so that the people who carried this out can be brought to justice.”

People Before Profit MLA Gerry Carroll said he “utterly condemned” the shooting and his thoughts were with “all of those impacted by this barbaric attack.

“There can be no justification for gunning someone down in their home in cold blood,” he said. “All right-thinking people will be abhorred by this shooting.”

The PSNI asked anyone with information to call 101 and quote reference number 1714 of 09/01/24. Information can also be given with 100 per cent anonymity via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or at www.crimestoppers-uk.org.