The investigation into the murder of Karol Kelly in Grafton Street, Derry has resulted in 3 people being charged and placed before the courts, police said this evening.
Detective Superintendent Jason Murphy who is leading the investigation said: “The murder of Karol Kelly in the early hours of Sunday morning caused outrage in the local community. We have interviewed a number of witnesses and further enquiries will continue in the coming weeks to clarify the circumstances surrounding Karol’s death. As in all investigations of this nature, the community hold the answers. I would appeal to anyone who has information about the events of Saturday night and Sunday morning to contact us. I would also like to speak to anyone who has information which might shed light on the background to this murder.
“I am concerned that inaccurate information is currently circulating through the community about the events of the weekend. I am asking people to be responsible if they are discussing those events. I am asking people to base their views on facts, not rumour or speculation. This is why I have decided to tell the community something about what the investigation has established so far. This might develop in the coming weeks, but so far, these are the facts:
· There is currently no evidence of the involvement of paramilitary groups in the events of Saturday night and Sunday morning
· There is currently no evidence that the weekend’s incident was linked to threats which may have been made by, or on behalf of, paramilitary groups in the past
· There is currently no evidence of a link between the weekend’s incident and a reported pipe bomb having been left in Grafton Street several weeks ago
· Police are conducting an investigation to establish why Karol Kelly went to Grafton Street and the circumstances surrounding his killing
· There is currently no evidence that a paramilitary style attack took place in Grafton Street, but police do believe that an altercation took place in a property in Grafton Street immediately prior to the assault which resulted in the death of Karol Kelly
· The investigation team is working closely with local officers and the local community. The investigation will consider all reasonable lines of enquiry
· The investigation is ongoing. Attempts to influence or intimidate witnesses, or otherwise hinder the investigation, will be dealt with swiftly and officers will seek to place offenders before the courts immediately
“I would ask that anyone with information contact the police on 101, or alternatively, information can also be provided to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 which is 100% anonymous and gives people the power to speak up and stop crime.”
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