Holdall appeal in murder enquiry

THE senior detective leading the investigation into the murder of Kilkeel man Bobbie McKee in his home earlier this year has made a specific appeal for information.

Detective Chief Inspector Anthony Kelly, of the PSNI’s Major Investigation Team, has asked for the public’s help to locate a black holdall, which the man accused of the killing, the deceased’s 26-year-old son Colin McKee, was seen carrying in the days before the murder.

Keen to stress to the community that he and his colleagues “are not seeking any other suspect or suspects at this time”, the high-ranking officer took the decision to release an image of the bag in question, which appears to show the accused carrying it onto a bus.

Footage taken from the Kilkeel-bound vehicle’s onboard camera system shows Colin McKee boarding the bus in Newry shortly after 5pm on St Patrick’s Day (17 March).

Four days later, the deceased and his seriously injured wife, Mrs Yvonne McKee, a retired local primary school teacher, were found in their ‘Belkee Lodge’ home.

The couple were located by police, who had called at the Newcastle Road property after receiving a report of concern for their safety.

Colin McKee subsequently appeared in court, charged with Mr McKee’s murder and a further allegation of attempting to murder Mrs McKee.

Court papers stated that the crimes were committed between 19 and 21 March and that, at the time of his arrest, the accused resided at an address at Canal Street in Newry.

He remains on remand in prison, with his next court appearance expected to take place at Newry Magistrates’ Court on 4 September.

Describing the case as “truly tragic” and acknowledging that Mr McKee’s family and loved ones “have suffered terribly,” DCI Kelly said Mr McKee, who was 69, “was tragically found dead” on the afternoon of Thursday 21 March and that Mrs McKee “had sustained serious head injuries from the same incident”.

He continued: “A 26-year-old man was charged with Mr McKee’s murder and the attempted murder of Mrs McKee.  And, although our investigation continues, the community should be assured that we are not seeking any other suspect or suspects at this time.

“As part of our enquiries, I am particularly keen to locate a black holdall. I’ve now released an image, which appears to show the defendant carry the bag onto a bus on the evening of 17 March 2024. 

“The bus, headed for Kilkeel, is boarded in Newry at 5.07pm. The fact that this was St Patrick’s Day may help jog memories. 

“If you have any information that could help us to locate this holdall, please contact our officers on 101.” 

He concluded: “This was a tragic case, and my thoughts are with Mr McKee’s family and loved ones who have suffered terribly.”

Anyone with information should contact detectives on 101, quoting reference 739 of 21/03/24. Alternatively, information can be provided to Crimestoppers, with total anonymity, online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org or by calling 0800 555111.

Mr McKee, a grandfather, was the former caretaker of Mourne Presbyterian Church. He had also been heavily involved with the local Boys’ Brigade.

In the days following his death, Mr McKee’s minister, Rev William Bingham, paid a moving tribute to him, noting how he had made a significant impact on church life and the wider community.