Worst emotion is anger says brother after cold case revelations

Posted By: June 01, 2016

Allison Morris. Irish News (Belfast).Wednesday, June 1, 2016


RELATIVES of those killed at Kingsmill have questioned the length of time it has taken for police to reveal a vital piece of evidence in the case.

The potential forensic breakthrough by cold case detectives into the murder of 10 workmen in Co Armagh 40 years ago came just one week after a fresh inquest into the atrocity began at Belfast Coroners Court.

Relatives of the victims were informed about the find of a palm print on the getaway van ahead of the scheduled sitting of the inquest yesterday.

The palm print is said to match the fingerprints of a republican known to police.

Police have said they are liaising with the coroner although it is unclear if the inquest will go ahead as planned while a new criminal investigation takes place. DUP MLA William Irwin said while the revelation is a major step forward, he questioned how such a major piece of evidence could wait 40-years before being properly investigated.

“This was a brutal sectarian massacre carried out in cold blood and the revelation that such a key piece of evidence has lain untouched for four decades will deepen the pain of relatives who have waited so long for justice,” he said.

“Now that this process is underway it is vital however that the investigation is carried out quickly and thoroughly. The families deserve to see justice served and to know that all avenues have finally been pursued to bring those
responsible to justice.”

Colin Worton, whose brother, Kenneth (24), was one of the 10 men killed at Kingsmill, said the announcement came as a “total shock”.

“I do feel a mixture of emotions, but one of the worst ones I have is anger. “Why has this taken more than 40 years to come out?”