FURTHER suspects have been identified in connection with the murder of a father-of-four whose body was dumped in a Co Down lake, a court heard today.
Police revealed a list of names has gone to the Public Prosecution Service (PPS) as part of the investigation into the killing of William 'Pat' McCormick.
Details emerged as a man charged with murdering the 55-year-old on May 30 last year was refused bail.
David Gill (27) of Ballyglighorn Road in Comber, is facing prosecution along with his fiancee and co-accused, Lesley-Ann Dodds.
Mr McCormick was also allegedly in a relationship with 22-year-old Dodds at the time of his death.
According to police the victim had been lured to her flat in Comber by a phone call on the night he was killed.
Newtownards Magistrates' Court, sitting in Belfast, heard he went there despite expressing concerns he would be attacked by her ex-partner.
Mr McCormick's remains were recovered more than a month later, on July 9.
Dodds, with an address at Mountcollyer Avenue in Belfast, is currently on bail facing charges of aiding and abetting murder and perverting the course of justice.
Opposing Gill's bid to be released, Mr Whyte claimed he may obstruct attempts to locate further forensic evidence.
The detective then disclosed: "There's a list of other people who have been reported (to the PPS) for murder and other offences, who could assist him in destroying this if granted bail."
Defence counsel Michael McAleer stressed Gill denies any involvement in the murder.
Citing further delays in the case due to the Covid-19 crisis, the barrister claimed his client could spend up to two years in custody awaiting trial.
District Judge Mark Hamill however denied bail.
