The murder of a 43-year-old man in west Belfast on Thursday night was a despicable and barbaric crime, reminiscent of so many horrific killings that took place during decades of conflict in Northern Ireland.
Joe Reilly, a father of one, was shot twice in the chest at his home at Glenwood Court in Poleglass after two men entered the house through an open door just after 8.15pm.
It is understood two other people were in the house at the time and ordered to lie on the kitchen floor while Mr Reilly was shot in the living room.
This must have been a terrifying and traumatic ordeal for the people caught up in this awful deed.
We can also imagine the shock and distress of Mr Reilly's family who rushed to the scene shortly after the shooting.
It is believed a number of children were in the area and may have seen the gunmen make their escape.
At this stage it is not clear what the motive was for this killing although police said the victim's criminal record would form part of the investigation.
However, whatever motivated the killers, there can be no possible excuse or justification for the murder of this man.
As the senior investigating officer described it, this was a `cold-blooded, summary execution.'
Unfortunately, this is not the first time people in this area have been exposed to gun crime.
Only a few days ago a 56-year-old man was shot six times in the legs in neighbouring Glenwood Drive, an attack that was carried out by Óglaigh na hÉireann.
The dissident republican organisation also claimed it had intended to kill another man in north Belfast on Sunday but he was not at home.
We do not yet know if there is any paramilitary link to the murder of Mr Reilly but we do know that gun gangs deliver only misery and suffering and after the years of conflict, no one in their right mind wants to see this type of violent activity return to our streets.
It is absolutely vital that these dangerous, murderous individuals are brought before the courts and imprisoned for the terrible crimes they have committed.
They must not be allowed to walk free, able to kill and wound anyone they choose.
Anyone with information about the killers of Joe Reilly or who can assist the police in any way, must come forward as a matter of urgency.
