Death – Obituary – Accident and Crime News : Hundreds Gather at Vigil for Murdered Nursing Assistant Odhran Kelly in Lurgan, Co Armagh
A vigil was held in remembrance of nursing assistant Odhran Kelly, who tragically lost his life in a cruel manner. The event, which took place in Edward Street, Lurgan, saw a large crowd gather to pay their respects to a man described as “loving and caring.”
The police launched a murder investigation after the discovery of Mr. Kelly’s body in the Edward Street area of Lurgan on Sunday. The victim, aged 23, was formally identified on Wednesday. His body was found near a burning car in Maple Court during the early hours of Sunday.
Law enforcement authorities have made significant progress in the case, with a fourth arrest made on Wednesday evening. The 31-year-old individual is now in custody, joining two women aged 36 and 43, and another 31-year-old man who were arrested earlier on suspicion of murder.
Detective Chief Inspector Anthony Kelly provided an update on the investigation, stating, “The investigation is at an early stage, and we are continuing to interview people who remain in custody. I am keeping an open mind regarding the motive and am following a number of lines of enquiry.”
During the vigil, the community demonstrated their solidarity with Odhran Kelly’s family and friends. Attendees brought balloons, candles, and flowers, while some family members wore T-shirts bearing the message ‘Justice for Odhran.’ John O’Dowd, Sinn Féin MLA for Upper Bann, addressed the crowd, expressing the community’s heartbreak over the tragedy.
Fr Colum Wright, parish priest in Lurgan, thanked those in attendance on behalf of the Kelly family, acknowledging the outpouring of love and support. He emphasized that Mr. Kelly had been “suddenly and violently taken from us.”
The police have stated that they do not believe the murder is linked to organized crime. Detective Chief Inspector Tony Kelly urged anyone with information to come forward, particularly three individuals captured on CCTV walking near the burning car. He also appealed to anyone who noticed suspicious activity in the Edward Street or Francis Street areas of Lurgan between 2 am and 5 am on Sunday to contact the authorities.
DUP MP Carla Lockhart echoed the police’s appeal for information, emphasizing the importance of securing justice for the senseless loss of an innocent young man’s life. The community remains shocked by the murder, and support for the Kelly family continues to pour in.