Northern Ireland

Odhrán Kelly: Two women charged in connection with murder

A vigil was held in Lurgan last night after the death of 23-year-old Odhrán Kelly
A vigil was held in Lurgan last night after the death of 23-year-old Odhrán Kelly

Police have charged two women in connection with the death of 23-year-old nursing assistant Odhrán Kelly.

The PSNI said the 43-year-old and 36-year-old women have been charged with assisting an offender and are due to appear before Lisburn Magistrates’ Court today.

The two women join two 31-year-old men who have also been arrested as part of the police investigation.

Lurgan incident
PSNI forensic officers at a property in the Edward Street area of Lurgan, Co Armagh (Liam McBurney/PA)

Both men remain in police custody.

Detectives investigating the murder formally identified Mr Kelly on Wednesday.

His body was found beside a burning car in Maple Court in the early hours of Sunday.

Police have said they do not believe there was an organised crime link to the killing.

PSNI Detective Chief Inspector Tony Kelly said: “A post-mortem examination has now taken place and the deceased has been formally identified as Odhran Kelly.

“My thoughts are first and foremost with Mr Kelly’s family, who are left trying to come to terms with this terrible loss.”

Odhran Kelly death
A vigil in Lurgan, Co Armagh, was held on Wednesday (Claudia Savage/PA)

He added: “While our investigation is at an early stage, I do not believe there is an organised crime link.

“If you were in the Edward Street or Francis Street areas of Lurgan between 2am and 5am on Sunday and noticed any suspicious activity, please contact us on 101.”

DUP MP Carla Lockhart reiterated the appeal from police for anyone with information about the murder to come forward.

“People in Lurgan are still shocked at this murder, and the thoughts of everyone are with the Kelly family as they struggle to comprehend this terrible tragedy,” she said.

“Police have been working tirelessly on the case and it is important that anyone with information can help bring those responsible to justice.

“There has been an appeal for footage that circulated on social media and it would be important that this might be made available for scrutiny.

“It is important justice is secured for the taking of an innocent young man’s life.”

Last night, hundreds of people gathered at a vigil in remembrance of Mr Kelly in Edward Street.

Many brought balloons, candles and flowers, while some of his family members wore T-shirts reading ‘Justice for Odhrán’.