Eugene Carr: Cash Reward Offered By Daughters

The bereaved daughters of a disabled man who died after he was attacked in his Co Armagh home have offered a cash reward to catch their father's killers.

Eugene Carr died in a Belfast hospital in November 2015 some eleven weeks after he was stabbed while in bed in his Bessbrook home.

His killers have never faced justice.

Marking the fourth anniversary of the father and grandfather's death, a £20,000 reward for information leading to a successful prosecution has been offered by Crimestoppers and Eugene's daughters.

Speaking on behalf of her family, Patricia Bennett said: "The gaping whole in our lives is made worse by the fact that we know his killers are still out there and living their lives while ours are ruined.

"Our dad was severely disabled and living alone when he was subjected to a horrendous and vicious attack while lying asleep in his bed, a place where he should have felt most safe."

Ms Bennett said her father was "tortured" by the brutal ordeal during the following months when he fought for his life in hospital. He passed away on 17 November 2015.

"He had no peace but he needs to be able to rest in peace now and the only way that can happen is if his killers are brought to justice and pay for the devastation they have caused," Ms Bennett continued.

"Myself and two of my sisters are offering a £10,000 reward for information leading to the conviction of dad's killers. We are extremely grateful to Crimestoppers who have matched this amount and we hope £20,000 will be an incentive to people in the community who know the identity of those who murdered him to come forward.

"Please, please if you have any information about who murdered our dad, do the right thing and come forward, he deserves justice and to finally rest in peace. And we need closure."

The family's appeal for information can be seen in the following video:





Mr Carr was stabbed 15 times before being left for dead on the floor of his bedroom.

Senior Investigating Officer Detective Chief Inspector Eamonn Corrigan commented on a series of rumours that have surrounded the attack.

He said: "I am aware of rumours as to why this happened and that this may have prevented people from coming forward but the investigation has found no substance to these rumours. These rumours may have been made up by those involved to justify their actions. I firmly believe the answer to who murdered Eugene lies within the Bessbrook community."

A clear motive for the "vicious and unrelenting" attack on the defenceless elderly man has not yet been established.

"His killers have yet to be brought to justice which is devastating for Eugene's family who deserve to see someone behind bars for his murder," DCI Corrigan continued.

"I sincerely hope this substantial reward provides an incentive for those who know anything to come forward and tell police.'

Specifically, detctives want to know:

• Who attacked Eugene and where did they go after the attack?

• How did they leave, was a car used – did you unknowingly assist by giving them a lift?

• Who helped them in the aftermath – their clothes would have been covered in blood.

• Where is the murder weapon?

"I would appeal to people to search their conscience and help bring those responsible for this vile and terrifying attack on a defenceless elderly man to justice," DCI Corrigan concluded.

Anyone with information should contact detectives on 101 or alternatively information can be provided to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 which is 100% anonymous.



(JG/MH)