Police appeal for information on Derry City murder
26 Feb 2010
Detectives from the PSNI’s Serious Crime Branch, investigating the murder of a 31 years-old man whose body was discovered in County Londonderry on Wednesday February 24 2010, are making an appeal for information.
Senior Investigating Officer, Detective Chief Inspector Ian Harrison, said the victim, Kieran Doherty, had suffered a horrific death.
“Kieran lived in the city and was due to be married in about three months and had a two and a half year old daughter.
"He had been in the family home until about 8pm on Wednesday. He went out to the shops and that was the last his family saw of him. His body was discovered by a passer by on the Braehead Road later that night.
“Kieran suffered a brutal death. This was a savage attack, and cannot be justified for any reason” said the policeman, who added that a motive for the murder is being investigated.
“I am aware of speculation in the local community and in the media as to how and why he met his death. What is important to me is to find out the facts and ultimately who was responsible.
“I am keeping an open mind as to who was behind the murder. They are criminals and they provide nothing to society and unrepresentative of the people of Derry.”
Detective Chief Inspector Harrison said he believed that death was as a result of gunshot wounds, and that while the victim had come to police attention before, it was vital to concentrate on the investigation.
“The important thing is finding out who murdered Kieran Doherty. It was unjustified, it was unwarranted. The people who carried out this cowardly act set themselves up as judge and jury.
“I want to hear from anyone who knows what happened to him. If you have information that could lead us to who is responsible, then please get in touch."
Anyone with information, or anyone who was on the Braehead Road in Derry on the evening of Wednesday February 24, is asked to contact detectives on 0845 600 8000. Alternatively information can be passed anonymously to the Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 111.
