Listen: Family offer £50k reward on 10th anniversary of Park murder

Katie Devine, who is in her eighties, said she isn’t angry at the killers of her eldest born son but that she wants justice.

That’s why the family of Patrick Devine, a 51-year-old sheep farmer who also worked as a psychiatric nurse, is offering a £50,000 reward for information to mark the tenth anniversary of the discovery of his body at Stranagalwilly on Saturday (September 13).

Despite extensive police enquiries, including a television appeal in 2008, no one had been made amenable.

Five persons have been arrested during the investigation, however. Police have previously stated that they believed the killing was a contract carried out by the INLA, although that organisation has denied any involvement in the murder.

Mrs Devine stated: “Although it has been 10 years since his death, it seems as though it was only yesterday. His killing has brought nothing but sadness and heartache to myself and the rest of the family.

“Personally, it takes a lot out of me to talk about his death and I would rather not mention it. However, you never forget and the pain is never ending. I often think about his final moments and why they had to kill him. My heart is forever broken.

“I find solace in prayer and am not angry against the people who took my eldest son from me because I know some day they also will have to answer for what they have done.

“The family would make a direct appeal to any persons who have information to come forward and help us find the truth.

“We know it will never bring our beloved Patrick back to us, but it will at least bring some closure to know that the people who committed this terrible crime are being made accountable before the courts.”

Offering the reward, Patrick’s brother Aidan Devine said: “ I feel I owe it to Patrick and I know if it had been the other way around that he would have tried his best to get justice for me. I know it will never bring Patrick back but we need some closure.”

A reward of £5,000 has also been offered by the Crimestoppers charity.

Detective Chief Inspector Una Jennings, said: “It is 10 years since Patrick’s life was taken from him in a brutal and calculated manner.

“Mr Devine was well known in the area, especially for his farming activities, but he also worked as a nurse at Waterside Hospital. It is fair to say that some people resented his success.

“It is the police view 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 had a clean criminal record.

“A review of the case has been conducted. Additional lines of enquiry are being progressed and some forensic work undertaken. But, on this 10th anniversary, I believe it is appropriate and important for police to again ask the community for their assistance.

“I am asking people to think about what happened to Patrick 10 years ago and the brutal circumstances of his death – shot several times in the head and chest as he was having a meal in his home.

“The individuals who did this are still at large. They are dangerous and ruthless. I would appeal to anyone who knows anything about Patrick’s murder to come forward and talk to us.

“In the 10 years since Patrick’s murder, circumstances and allegiances may have changed. If anyone now feels they are able to talk to us, we are ready to listen. We are grateful to the family and Crimestoppers for the offer of rewards.

“If these are an incentive to anyone to provide information, it would be of great assistance to the investigation and provide enormous relief to the Devine family, who have endured 10 years with no closure.”

Anyone with information can contact detectives at Maydown police station on 028 7137 9785 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800555111.