Murder victim Stephen Holmes
Stephen Holmes, 31, from the Strabane area, died in hospital on Saturday as a result of injuries he sustained five days earlier.
Dylan McCrossan, also 31, appeared before Strabane Magistrates’ Court last Thursday charged with offences, including grievous bodily harm with intent.
The PSNI, who were called to the Beechmount Village area of Strabane at approximately 3.15am on Monday, said the charges would be reviewed following Mr Holmes’ death.
It is expected Dylan McCrossan will be taken from the remand unit in Maghaberry Prison and into police custody this week and re-charged over the death of Mr Holmes.
A second suspect is believed to fled the jurisdiction and is hiding out in Donegal. The PSNI is liaising with Gardai over his current.
Writing on social media, Daniel McCrossan, the SDLP MLA for West Tyrone, said the “terrible events of this week have been extremely difficult and tragic”.
Without mentioning his brother directly, the Stormont politician said the loss of Mr Holmes’ “young life is both devastating and heart breaking beyond all words”.
He added: “Primarily my thoughts, prayers and deepest condolences are with the Holmes family, Stephen’s mum and dad, his brothers, sisters and children.
“I have known the family my entire life. This is a deeply heart breaking and tragic situation of unimaginable proportions.
“I have called with the Holmes family and expressed my deepest condolences and prayers to them at this very sad and difficult time.”
The politician added: “What has happened is without words and something you never imagine could happen.
“I am totally heartbroken beyond words and devastated for them and their loss.
“I condemn acts of violence of any nature and encourage anyone with any information to come forward to the PSNI.”
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