The brother of a man murdered in Co Derry 20 years ago by a suspected contract killer has now put up a £100,000 reward for information.
Sheep farmer and part-time nurse Patrick Devine (51) was shot dead in his home in Claudy on September 13, 2004.
Despite an extensive police investigation and the arrest of five people, no one has ever been charged with his murder.
The £100,000 reward is in addition to £20,000 offered by Crimestoppers during a police appeal on the 20th anniversary of his death last week.
It’s also double the amount the family offered on the 10th anniversary of the murder.
It was previously reported police believe professional jealousy led to a group of farmers paying for an INLA gunman to kill Mr Devine.
Aiden Devine says his family deserve justice.
“Although it’s been 20 years, it seems like only yesterday at the same time,” he said.
“Over the years we have done multiple appeals, including Crimewatch and a reconstruction on TG4 that we assisted with, none of them were easy — and when you feel they’ve done no good it’s disheartening.
“Both my parents died without justice or closure and two of my sisters — one was an obvious broken heart.”
Detective Chief Inspector Mark Gibson said last week: “It is now 20 years since Patrick’s life was taken from him in a brutal and calculated manner, and his family’s wait for justice has gone on for far too long.
“Mr Devine was well-known in the area, especially for his farming activities, and also for his work as a nurse. We believe that some people resented his success.
“It is still the view of police that Patrick was the victim of a contract killing carried out by an organised crime group with paramilitary links against a background of rumours of alleged sheep stealing and land disputes, although Mr Devine himself had a clear criminal record.
“On this, the 20th anniversary of his murder, we are appealing to the community for their assistance and help. I am asking people to think about what happened to Patrick 20 years ago and the brutal circumstances of his death: he was shot several times in the head and chest.
“The individuals who did this are dangerous, ruthless and unfortunately have never been held accountable.
“I am appealing to anyone who knows anything about Patrick’s murder to come forward, talk to us and help us end the pain which his family has endured for all these years.
“In the 20 years since Patrick’s murder, circumstances and allegiances may have changed. If anyone now feels they are able to talk to us, we are here and ready to listen, and you can contact us on the 101 number.
“Crimestoppers, who are independent of police, are offering a reward of up to £20,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for Patrick’s murder.
“The reward is only payable for information passed directly to Crimestoppers, rather than to police.
“With Crimestoppers, computer IP addresses are never traced, telephone calls are never recorded, there is no caller line display, and no 1471 facility.
“Contact crimestoppers-uk.org or call the charity’s 24/7 Contact Centre on 0800 555 111.”
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