RUC Special Branch tried to recruit a key witness in the sectarian murder of a Catholic man 20 years ago, it has been claimed.
Fergal McCusker was shot dead by the LVF in Maghera, Co Derry, as he made his way home after a night out in January 1998.
The 28-year-old’s family and friends are to take part in a series of events in his memory this week.
The shooting came just weeks after the INLA’s prison killing of LVF founder and leader Billy Wright.
His family believe there was collusion in the murder.
The Historical Enquiries Team began a review of the McCusker case but it was not completed by the time it closed in 2014 and was passed over to the PSNI's Legacy Investigation Branch.
Police have said given its extensive caseload, it is not possible to give a firm timescale for work to begin on the case.
Known as ‘Ricky’ to friends, Mr McCusker was shot dead in an alleyway near Maghera town centre minutes after leaving friends to visit a take away.
His family now say that a key witness who saw three suspects emerging from the murder scene and heard the fatal shots was asked by RUC Special Branch to become an informer.
They say the man got in touch with police after the funeral, but hours later he was contacted by officers who asked him to provide information about local republicans.
There has never been an inquest into Mr McCusker’s murder.
The family’s solicitor Pádraig Ó Muirigh said: “This is a damning indictment of the failure of the British government to properly fund legacy inquests and implement the mechanisms for dealing with the past agreed as part of the Stormont House Agreement.”
A candlelight vigil in memory of Mr McCusker will take place outside the Fairhill Youth Club in Maghera on Friday at 7.30pm, followed by a walk to Glen GAA club where there will be a talk about the case.
A Derry select team will also take on a Glen select team in a memorial cup match at Glen pitch on Saturday at 2.30pm, followed by a presentation at the club with food and live music.
