Police appeal for information on death of Lu Na McKinney on Lough Erne

Detectives from the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) are appealing for information about Lu Na McKinney who died near Devenish Island in Fermanagh in April.

Ms McKinney (35), who was originally from China, was initially believed to have died in a boating accident on April 13th on Lough Erne, Co Fermanagh.

However, a detective inspector told Omagh Magistrates’s Court last week that Ms McKinney’s death was a premeditated crime.

Her husband, Stephen McKinney (41), has been arrested and charged with the murder of his wife of 15 years sometime between April 11th and April 14th 2017.

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The detective inspector said that due “to the serious nature and premeditation of this crime”, he was opposed to the defendant - who is originally from Strabane - being released on bail and said that he posed a flight risk and could interfere with witnesses.

He said the defendant had travelled extensively throughout the world and has money and property in China.

The court was told that the couple’s children, aged 11 and 14, were the only other people on the boat on the night of their mother’s death.

A defence lawyer told the Omagh court last week that Mr McKinney has “vehemently denied the allegation”.

The PSNI has now released a photograph of Lu Na McKinney in the hope that people will come forward with information.

Detective Inspector David McGrory called on Monday for anyone who knew or had contact with Ms McKinney in the months leading up to her death to get in touch. Ms McKinney lived in Convoy, Co Donegal.

An Garda Síochána are working jointly with the PSNI officers in the investigation into Ms McKinney's death and have appealed for anyone with information to contact either the PSNI on 101 ext 43373, the confidential Crimestoppers number on 0800 555 111, an Garda Síochána at Letterkenny on 074 916 7100 or the Garda Confidential line on 1800 666 111."

Additional reporting - PA