Two women have been charged with assisting an offender in connection with the murder of Odhrán Kelly, 23, in Lurgan, Co Armagh.
The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) said late on Wednesday, December 6 that Detectives from the Major Investigation Team had charged two women with assisting an offender.
Andrea Catherine Theresa Stevenson, 43, from Edward Street in Lurgan, and Stephanie McClelland, 36, from Shan Slieve in Lurgan, appeared at Lisburn Magistrates Court on Thursday, BBC NI reported.
The two defendants, who were both remanded into custody, applied for legal aid and will apply for bail later this month.
The PSNI said on Wednesday night that as is usual procedure, the charges will be reviewed by the Public Prosecution Service.
The PSNI added on Wednesday night that two 31-year-old men arrested as part of the investigation remain in police custody.
The body of 23-year-old Odhrán Kelly was found beside a burning car in Maple Court in the early hours of Sunday, December 3.
PSNI said on Sunday that they were at the scene of a sudden death in the Edward Street area of Lurgan in Co Armagh.
A few hours later on Sunday, PSNI confirmed that Detectives from the Major Investigation Team launched a murder enquiry following the incident.
Two women, aged 35 and 43, and a 31-year-old man, were arrested on suspicion of murder and were in custody assisting with police enquiries, PSNI said on Sunday.
Detectives asked anyone who was in the Edward Street or Francis Street areas between 2 am and 5 am on Sunday morning and who noticed any suspicious activity or who may have captured dash-cam footage that could assist with the investigation to contact them on 101, quoting reference number 370 03/12/23.
A report can also be submitted online using the non-emergency reporting form via PSNI.Police.uk/makeareport/ or you can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online here.
On Tuesday, detectives said they were still investigating and that the victim had yet to be formally identified.
Detective Chief Inspector Anthony Kelly, who is leading the murder investigation, said on Tuesday: “I have CCTV footage which shows three people in close proximity to the burning car. I believe these people may have witnessed the suspects in the area and I would like to speak to them to find out what they know."
DCI Kelly reiterated his appeal for anyone with dashcam, CCTV, Ring doorbell, or mobile footage immediately before or directly after the incident to bring it to police.
A Major Incident Public Portal was launched online here.
On Wednesday, PSNI confirmed that the victim had been identified as 23-year-old Odhrán Kelly, and that detectives had made a fourth arrest, a 31-year-old.
Elsewhere on Wednesday night, hundreds of people attended a vigil in memory of Kelly, who was a nursing assistant.
Among the mourners was a representative from The Rainbow Project of Northern Ireland, which said on X on Wednesday: We know there will be concern and anxiety in the LGBTQ+ community about what may have happened to Odhran.
"We repeat the call of the PSNI not to speculate and that if anyone has any information that could assist them in their investigation, including around any potential motives, they should contact PSNI or crimestoppers."
Rest in power Odhran.
This evening, with many hundreds of others, a representative of the Rainbow Project attended the vigil held in memory of Odhran Kelly in Lurgan. All our thoughts are with his family and friends at this difficult time. 1/4 pic.twitter.com/YDtgRFdzu9
— The Rainbow Project (@TRPNI) December 6, 2023
Mourners brought balloons, candles, and flowers to the vigil on Edward Street on Wednesday night, while members of Kelly's family wore t-shirts with the slogan "justice for Odhrán."
His mother Jacqui Murray said her son was taken too soon, adding that her heart has been broken into "a million pieces."
Lurgan murder: A vigil has taken place for victim Odhrán Kelly. pic.twitter.com/LrhHpsoC5s
— BBC Newsline (@bbcnewsline) December 6, 2023
Meanwhile, a GoFundMe to assist the family with funeral costs has surpassed £6,300 in donations.
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