Two charged with Malcolm McKeown murder

by Gráinne Connolly

Detectives investigating the murder of 54-year-old Malcolm McKeown in Waringstown, Co. Down have charged two men with his murder. 

Mr McKeown was found dead in his car outside a petrol station on Main Street on Monday night. 

Police believe he was shot up to six times. 

Mr McKeown was laid to rest on Saturday following a funeral at Emmanuel Church in Lurgan.

The suspects, aged 24 and 25, were detained yesterday. 

They are expected to appear before Lisburn Magistrates Court tomorrow, Monday 26th August. 

As is normal procedure all charges will be reviewed by the Public Prosecution Service.

Yesterday, police re-issued their appeal for information about the murder. 

Detective Chief Inspector Peter Montgomery said: “CCTV footage shows Mr McKeown entering the shop at Dewart’s Garage at approximately 7.15pm on Monday and then walking back to his car approximately four minutes later.

"It was around this time I believe that the gunman or gunmen shot him. 

“Were you in Dewart’s Garage or in Waringstown Main Street at that time and did you see anything?

“I am keen to trace the driver and passengers of a dark blue or black VW Passat, registration RK62 PLX, which was seen at 6.20pm in Cambrai Heights before the shooting.

"I believe the gunman or men may have got out of this car, walked around the back of Dewart’s to shoot Malcolm McKeown, before fleeing and leaving Cambrai Heights in the car at 7.20pm.

“Did you see this car leaving Cambrai Heights and then travelling along the Dunkirk Road towards Summerhill Road at 7.20pm? If you were driving in these areas and have dashcam I would like to see it.

“If you live in Cambrai Heights or the adjoining streets and have private CCTV please let me know.

“This car was found burnt out on the Glenavon Lane in Lurgan just after 7.30pm.  Did you see the occupants get out of it and get into a dark coloured Jeep? If so, do you know where they went? Or did they make off on foot?

“I would also like to hear from anyone who saw Mr McKeown at any stage during Monday in Lurgan or Craigavon.”

Detectives are urging anyone with information to contact them on 101.  Alternatively, information can be provided to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, which is 100% anonymous and gives people the power to speak up and stop crime.