DETECTIVES probing the murder of north Belfast man Conor McKee are believed to be investigating a possible paramilitary link.
The body of the 31-year-old was found by his mother in a bedroom of his parent's home at Glenpark Street in the Oldpark area on January 7.
At first it was thought he had been the victim of a knife attack but police later confirmed he had been shot three times.
Mr McKee's family have said he had been battling a heroin addiction for some time. He was on bail for serious drugs offences at the time of the shooting.
The victim's brother Tommy McKee made an emotional appeal before hundreds of mourners at his funeral for anyone taking drugs to seek help.
Two members of a well-known west Belfast family were arrested in connection with the murder but released pending further enquiries.
The Irish News understands that police are now investigating the possibility that the murder may have been a botched 'punishment' shooting, as the victim's wounds were all to the lower part of his body and a significant sum of money found in the house was not taken.
Further details about two men seen in the area at the time are expected to be released.
It is believed one line of inquiry is that a group made up of former members of dissident republican organisations may have been responsible.
Police are expected to make a further public appeal about the murder on Thursday.
