22/08/2019

Footage Shows Malcolm McKeown's Final Moments

Detectives have revealed that Malcolm McKeown was shot up to six times at close range and in broad daylight.

The 54-year-old father of four was found slumped in his car outside a petrol station in Waringstown, County Down on the evening of Monday 19 August.

CCTV footage of his final moments, when he entered Dewart's Garage at around 7.15pm, has been released in a bid to gain more information.



Two teenagers discovered Mr McKeown's body at around 9pm. Detective Chief Inspector Peter Montgomery, who is leading the investigation, said the scene they stumbled upon is "something that no child should witness and I've no doubt they've been left traumatised by this. It's simply unacceptable".

Investigators are 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. They 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.

Renewing the appeal for information, DCI Montgomery said: "Were you in Dewart's Garage or in Waringstown Main Street at that time and did you see anything?

"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."

The car was later found burnt out on the Glenavon Lane in Lurgan just after 7.30pm. Anyone in the area who may have saw the occupants get out and enter a dark coloured jeep is urged to get in touch with police.

"I would also like to hear from anyone who saw Mr McKeown at any stage during Monday in Lurgan or Craigavon," DCI Montgomery continued.

"My investigation is at an early stage and I'm keeping an open mind as to the motive for the murder, however a strong line of enquiry is organised crime."

Police have also offered assurances that any witnesses to the murder and activities of the gunmen will be given anonymity and only referred to as Witness A, B, C etc. Their identity will only be revealed to the Public Prosecution Service.

Details can be provided by contacting police on non-emergency line 101 or anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.



(JG/CM)


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