Menu
10/03/2015
Murder Investigation Launched Over 1974 Benburb Killing
Police have launched a murder investigation into the death of a man who was killed by soldiers in County Tyrone over 40 years ago.
John Pat Cunnningham, 27, was shot by members of an Army patrol in Benburb on 15th June 1974.
The case has been re-opened and a murder investigation has begun.
The officer leading the investigation, Detective Inspector Neil McGuinness, said: "We have now reached a point where it is appropriate and necessary to ask for assistance from not only the local community in Benburb but also from people who may have moved away from the area or are in other parts of the world, if the investigation is to be fully progressed. I appreciate this happened more than 40 years ago but I believe there are people in the community today who remember this tragic incident, who knew John Pat and who may have information which would be of assistance to the investigation. Our objective is to get to the truth of what happened that Saturday morning so that justice can be served.
"I have three particular areas where I think members of the community may be able to help. Firstly, I would like to speak to people who knew John Pat, what sort of a young man he was, his interests, his lifestyle, his concerns.
"Secondly, I want to speak to anyone who has knowledge of any previous encounters or incidents involving John Pat and soldiers. It doesn’t matter what these were or what they amounted to – I just need to know about them.
"Finally, I would like to speak to anyone who was a witness to the fatal shooting itself at Carrickaness, Benburb at 11.50am on Saturday 15 June 1974, who has information about the incident or who engaged with soldiers at the time."
(CD/MH)
John Pat Cunnningham, 27, was shot by members of an Army patrol in Benburb on 15th June 1974.
The case has been re-opened and a murder investigation has begun.
The officer leading the investigation, Detective Inspector Neil McGuinness, said: "We have now reached a point where it is appropriate and necessary to ask for assistance from not only the local community in Benburb but also from people who may have moved away from the area or are in other parts of the world, if the investigation is to be fully progressed. I appreciate this happened more than 40 years ago but I believe there are people in the community today who remember this tragic incident, who knew John Pat and who may have information which would be of assistance to the investigation. Our objective is to get to the truth of what happened that Saturday morning so that justice can be served.
"I have three particular areas where I think members of the community may be able to help. Firstly, I would like to speak to people who knew John Pat, what sort of a young man he was, his interests, his lifestyle, his concerns.
"Secondly, I want to speak to anyone who has knowledge of any previous encounters or incidents involving John Pat and soldiers. It doesn’t matter what these were or what they amounted to – I just need to know about them.
"Finally, I would like to speak to anyone who was a witness to the fatal shooting itself at Carrickaness, Benburb at 11.50am on Saturday 15 June 1974, who has information about the incident or who engaged with soldiers at the time."
(CD/MH)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
20 November 2024
Hard-Hitting Road Safety Message Delivered To Young People
Over 800 young people from schools in Lisburn and Castlereagh attended a hard-hitting road safety message at the PSNI Road Safe Roadshow on 19 November. The roadshow, supported by AXA Insurance and the Northern Ireland Road Safety Partnership, aims to educate young drivers about the dangers of irresponsible driving.
Hard-Hitting Road Safety Message Delivered To Young People
Over 800 young people from schools in Lisburn and Castlereagh attended a hard-hitting road safety message at the PSNI Road Safe Roadshow on 19 November. The roadshow, supported by AXA Insurance and the Northern Ireland Road Safety Partnership, aims to educate young drivers about the dangers of irresponsible driving.
15 November 2024
New Pathway To Support Young People With Diabetes
Health Minister Mike Nesbitt has welcomed the launch of a new Regional Young Adults' Progression Pathway designed to support young people with Type 1 diabetes as they transition to adult services.
New Pathway To Support Young People With Diabetes
Health Minister Mike Nesbitt has welcomed the launch of a new Regional Young Adults' Progression Pathway designed to support young people with Type 1 diabetes as they transition to adult services.
08 August 2022
Murder Investigation Launched Into Disappearance Of Damien Heagney
The PSNI's Major Investigation Team have launched a murder investigation into the disappearance of 47-year-old Damien Heagney from Cookstown. Mr Heagney was reported missing on Tuesday 19 July and police have said that they are "keeping an open mind" they now believe that he has been murdered.
Murder Investigation Launched Into Disappearance Of Damien Heagney
The PSNI's Major Investigation Team have launched a murder investigation into the disappearance of 47-year-old Damien Heagney from Cookstown. Mr Heagney was reported missing on Tuesday 19 July and police have said that they are "keeping an open mind" they now believe that he has been murdered.
21 April 2015
Police Arrest Man Over John Cunningham Murder
Police have arrested a man in England in connection with the murder of a man who was shot by soldiers over 40 years ago in County Tyrone. John Pat Cunningham, 27, was killed in Benburb on 15 June 1974. The case was reopened by the PSNI's Legacy Investigation Branch. The man, 73, is to be brought to Northern Ireland for questioning.
Police Arrest Man Over John Cunningham Murder
Police have arrested a man in England in connection with the murder of a man who was shot by soldiers over 40 years ago in County Tyrone. John Pat Cunningham, 27, was killed in Benburb on 15 June 1974. The case was reopened by the PSNI's Legacy Investigation Branch. The man, 73, is to be brought to Northern Ireland for questioning.
16 March 2023
Woman Arrested In DCI Caldwell Attempted Murder Investigation
A 34-year-old woman has been arrested in connection with the attempted murder of Detective Chief Inspector John Caldwell on 22nd February in the Killyclogher Road area of Omagh.
Woman Arrested In DCI Caldwell Attempted Murder Investigation
A 34-year-old woman has been arrested in connection with the attempted murder of Detective Chief Inspector John Caldwell on 22nd February in the Killyclogher Road area of Omagh.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
