The murder of a Newry businessman, Mr Richard McFerran, is being regarded by investigating gardai in Dundalk as arising from his private life. Preliminary results of a post-mortem by the State Pathologist, Dr John Harbison, confirmed he died from a single gunshot wound to the head as he was getting out of his car in Dundalk.
Gardai confirmed that one of the lines of inquiry being followed at the moment is to establish if there is a connection between the fatal shooting and another incident in Newry last year during which Mr McFerran was shot in the arm. The RUC confirmed that it treated the earlier incident as attempted murder.
During it two men went into the yard of Mr McFerran's business on the Armagh road, Newry, just before 6 p.m. He was alone at the time, and the men opened fire after asking for him by name. Mr McFerran ran from them, but they pursued him until he managed to lock himself in an office.
During its investigation the RUC treated the incident as attempted murder and was attempting to establish a motive. Yesterday a senior garda said: "It is reasonable to assume that the two are linked." Forensic results from the murder scene are due later this week and will help establish if there is a connection between them.
Garda sources denied reports that Mr McFerran was involved in the drug trade or that he was a subversive. While they believe his death may be related to his private life, it is still unclear who carried out the assassination or who would have wanted him killed.
Mr McFerran had been a regular visitor to Dundalk and frequently socialised there, particularly on horse-racing nights. He had attended the races on Sunday afternoon before going to a local pub and restaurant and then driving a short distance to his apartment at Kilgar House.
Gardai believe that the killer was waiting for him and would have known he was an easy target after a night on the town. They are liaising with the RUC on the investigation. Last night members of Mr McFerran's family accompanied his remains from Dundalk to Newry. His funeral is expected to be held later this week.