THE brother of murder victim Conor McKee last night described the father-of-two as "a victim of heroin" and said he prays his brutal death will "act as a deterrent" for other young people to stay away from drugs.
Tommy McKee was speaking after a vigil was held outside his parents north Belfast home where his younger brother was shot three times last Thursday.
Several hundred people gathered outside the house in the Glenpark Street area of the Oldpark. The house remains a crime scene while detectives continue to investigate the attack on the 31 year-old.
Prayers were said for the victim's family and his two children Aidan and Gracie, with candles and tributes left at the scene.
Tommy McKee said his brother was not aware he was under any threat before the attack.
"He was living in the community quite openly, he spent all his time between our parents' house and his partner's house just across the street," he said.
"There was no indication that he was under any threat. He didn't feel there was any threat against him.
"I want to make it very clear, my brother was a victim of drugs and all that brings with it, this is the end result.
"The only person he ever harmed was himself. He was getting help, he got lots of help and he was making progress but sadly it wasn't to be.
"If even one young person can look at my brother and the pain this has caused to our family and all the people who loved him and stay away from heroin then some good will come from this.
"This is the result of heroin. Just look at what it's done my brother, just look at the devastation it has caused", he added.
Mr McKee said his family wanted to thank the community who have rallied around them since the attack.
"Lots of people have already came forward with information and we've been overwhelmed with support", he said.
"You've only to look at the people gathered here tonight to see how my family are thought of in this community and how much support we have received, for that we are very grateful, it's been a comfort to us", he added.
The remains of the father of two were last night returned to the home of his partner Michelle, and will be buried in the city cemetery following Requiem Mass at Sacred Heart Church on Thursday.
The officer leading the investigation, Detective Chief Inspector Justyn Galloway, said the investigation was making progress and that they have had "a very positive response from Conor's friends who have come forward with information.
"We also appealed to a person who phoned police in the early hours of last Friday morning with information about the murder to call back. That person has yet to do so. I would appeal to them to contact us", he added.
