Image Released In Malcolm McKeown Murder Probe

Detectives investigating the murder of Malcolm McKeown in Co Down have released an image of a car they believed to have been involved.

The image shows a man who appears to be wearing a baseball cap driving a blue Passat car into Dewarts Garage shortly before the murder.

Mr McKeown was shot at close range in broad daylight at around 7.19pm on Monday 19 August. His body lay slumped in his parked car at the side of the petrol station for over an hour until it was discovered.

Police now believe several people were involved in the killing. Detective Chief Inspector Peter Montgomery said: "In every murder there are people involved in different aspects of the crime including planning, targeting, supplying weapons , transporting the weapons away from the scene and the clean-up operation.

"Mr McKeown was shot up to six times just minutes after he left the shop at the petrol station and I suspect that two guns were used during the attack. His body was found slumped in his parked car at the side of the garage at around 9pm.

"I believe that the gunmen were alerted to Mr McKeown's movements that night and they likely had knowledge that he would be at the petrol station at that specific time."

The gunmen are understood to have travelled in a dark blue VW Passat, registration RK62 PLX. It was first seen entering Dewarts Garage at 6.23pm. Police believe the suspects lay waiting at the back of the shop for around 56 minutes before shooting Mr McKeown.

Detective Montgomery continued: "I would still like to hear from anyone who saw the car, or the people inside the Passat during these times. Were you at the garage, or were you driving in the area and have dash cam footage?

"The car was later found burnt out on the Glenavon Lane in Lurgan at approximately 7.26pm. Did you see the occupants get out of it and set it on fire? If so, do you know where they went?

"There was football training and trials ongoing nearby so there may be some parents who witnessed the Passat being set on fire."

Detectives are also hoping to trace a grey Volkswagen Golf S seen in the Greenhill Park area of Lurgan between 5pm and 7.30pm on the Monday evening. This vehicle left Greenhill Park and drove on to Mourne Road.

Anyone with information relating to the father of three's murder is urged to contact police on 101. Detective Montgomery offered assurances that all information will be treated with the strictest confidence and members of the public guaranteed anonymity for the purpose of the investigation.

Details can also be provided to Crimestoppers anonymously by calling 0800 555 111.



(JG/CM)