Northern Ireland

Jim Donegan murder detectives appeal for information

Murder victim Jim Donegan with his wife Laura
Murder victim Jim Donegan with his wife Laura Murder victim Jim Donegan with his wife Laura

MURDER detectives probing the gangland-style killing of Jim Donegan in west Belfast have appealed to motorists who were in the area on the day of the fatal shooting to come forward.

The 43-year-old was shot eight times as he waited to pick up his 13-year-old son outside St Mary's Grammar School at around 3.15pm on December 4.

Mr Donegan, known as JD, was shot in the head and chest as he sat in his red Porsche Panamera, registration JDZ34. He died at the scene.

CCTV footage released by the PSNI shows the suspected gunman, who was wearing hi-vis gear, walking to the scene and later fleeing on foot.

Detective Chief Inspector Pete Montgomery today made a renewed appealed for information.

"I would like to hear from anyone who was driving in the area of the Glen Road and Clonelly Avenue around 3.10pm and just afterwards as I need to eliminate your car from my enquiries," he said.

"I also need to see any dash-cam footage which could be of use to my investigation."

Read more: 

  • Teenage son of Jim Donegan pays heartfelt tribute as police release new footage of killer
  • Jim Donegan funeral hears call for 'no retaliation'

Police can be contacted on 101.

Mr Donegan lived in the Lisburn area and ran a courier company. He had business interests and criminal associates on both sides of the border.

He is survived by his wife Laura and children Cris, Jamie and Max.

Laura Donegan has denied her husband was involved in any criminal activity following claims he was a drug dealer.

Read more:

  • Wife of murder victim Jim Donegan pays touching tribute
  • Jim Donegan gunman 'has killed before'
Police returned to the scene of the murder of Jim Donegan a week after he was shot dead on the Glen Road in west Belfast. Picture by Mal McCann
Police returned to the scene of the murder of Jim Donegan a week after he was shot dead on the Glen Road in west Belfast. Picture by Mal McCann Police returned to the scene of the murder of Jim Donegan a week after he was shot dead on the Glen Road in west Belfast. Picture by Mal McCann