Murder of Jim McConnell, County Londonderry
11 Feb 2009
Detectives investigating the murder of 38 years-old Jim McConnell in Woodland Avenue in County Londonderry during the early hours of Wednesday February 11 are making an appeal for information.
At approximately 12.15am two masked men entered a house and fired a number of shots. Jim McConnell later died in hospital. It is believed the gunmen left the scene in a small, light coloured vehicle and drove towards the city side.
The man leading the investigation, Detective Superintendent Raymond Murray of the PSNI’s Major Investigation Team, said a number of lines of enquiry are being followed:
“Police have recovered two live rounds, which are currently undergoing forensic testing. It is believed the gunman had problems with the weapon and had to discharge two rounds. We intend to exploit recent new developments in forensic testing to find out more about the weapon used in the murder.
"There is nothing in Mr McConnell's past that justifies the cold and brutal way he was murdered by masked men in his own home. Who are they going to shoot tomorrow and why? The community must say that this is unacceptable,” said the Detective.
Mr Murray made a specific appeal in relation to two cars - a small light coloured car possibly a Peugeot 106 or 306 and a silver Ford Fiesta carrying two people. These people may have important information and police would be very keen to speak to them.
“We are interested in the movements of a silver Ford Fiesta which which we now believe was seen in the area the day before the murder. It had two men onboard and may have had Learner plates in the window. We now believe the small white car carried the gunmen. It was last seen heading in the direction of the city.
Police are appealing to anyone who was in the area and may have witnessed the incident or noticed the vehicle driving into or leaving the area to contact them. They would also ask anyone who has any information relating to this murder to contact them at Strand Road police station on 0845 600 8000. Information about crime can also be passed anonymously to the Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 111.
