Northern Ireland

17-year-old arrested in connection with murder of Karol Kelly

 Karol Kelly (35) was a father of five
 Karol Kelly (35) was a father of five  Karol Kelly (35) was a father of five

A 17-year-old male has been arrested in connection with the murder of Karol Kelly in Derry.

Two men aged 19 and 20 have been charged with the murder and were due to appear in court this morning.

Karol Kelly (35) was killed in the city’s Rosemount area early on Sunday morning.

The father-of-five died following an altercation involving a number of men at Grafton Street.

Medics tried to save his life but he died in an ambulance at the scene of the attack.

Three men, aged 19, 20 and 27, were arrested. The 27-year-old man was later released on police bail.

The other two men were charged with murder on Tuesday night. .

In a moving tribute, Mr Kelly's brother Paul said he had fond memories of training with him as both were enthusiastic sportsmen.

Mr Kelly said they both competed to get “one over” on the other.

“Many memories I hold with him in the one place we both connected at our best, the gym," he said.

"He was always guaranteed to tell me and everyone else who listened his news and bars (gossip). He always had a laugh with everyone around him and always enjoyed slagging a few boys in the name of friendly banter.”

Mr Kelly said his brother always “lightened the mood” of all he spoke to.

“Those memories where two brothers became ‘brothers in iron’ will always be cherished,” he said.

Police have described Mr Kelly’s death as a “violent and senseless act” and Detective Superintendent Jason Murphy has appealed for witnesses to come forward.

“He was a father to five children aged between three and 15 years and they all now face a lifetime without his presence,” Mr Murphy said.