BELFAST, Northern Ireland – A local priest has accused the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) of lacking the desire to close cold case files, particularly those involving “barbaric” shootings. The latest incident of gangland-style violence took the life of 26-year-old Kevin Conway in west Belfast.
The late Conway had been one of three men charged over the killing of Shane Whitla in Lurgan in January 2023. Conway was fatally shot in the Rossnareen area, adding to the string of unsolved murders in north and west Belfast in recent years.
The priest’s criticism sheds light on the frustration within the community over the lack of closure for these violent cases. The accusations of the PSNI’s lacking efforts to solve these cold cases raise important questions about the effectiveness of law enforcement in addressing gang-related violence in the area.
The murder of Conway marks a disturbing trend of ongoing gang violence that has left many families devastated and seeking justice. The failure to resolve these cases not only perpetuates a cycle of violence but also erodes public trust in the effectiveness of law enforcement.
The PSNI’s handling of cold case files has drawn sharp criticism from local figures, amplifying the urgency for concrete actions to address the root causes of gang-related violence. The lack of resolution in these cases only adds to the sense of unease and insecurity within the community.
The murder of Kevin Conway and the ongoing string of unsolved cases underscore the pressing need for greater accountability and effectiveness in addressing gang violence in Northern Ireland. This latest incident serves as an urgent reminder of the need for enhanced efforts to bring justice to the victims and their families.