Two women charged in connection with Odhran Kelly murder

Claudia Savage, David Young, Rachel Vickers-Price, PA

Police in Northern Ireland have charged two women in connection with the death of 23-year-old nursing assistant Odhran Kelly.

The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) said the 43-year-old and 36-year-old women have been charged with assisting an offender and are due to appear before Lisburn Magistrates’ Court on Thursday.

Two 31-year-old men, who were also arrested as part of the police investigation, remain in custody.

Detectives investigating the murder formally identified Mr Kelly on Wednesday.

His body was found beside a burning car in Maple Court in the early hours of Sunday.

Police have said they do not believe there was an organised crime link to the killing.

PSNI Detective Chief Inspector Tony Kelly said: “A post-mortem examination has now taken place and the deceased has been formally identified as Odhran Kelly.

“My thoughts are first and foremost with Mr Kelly’s family, who are left trying to come to terms with this terrible loss.”

He added: “While our investigation is at an early stage, I do not believe there is an organised crime link.

“If you were in the Edward Street or Francis Street areas of Lurgan between 2am and 5am on Sunday and noticed any suspicious activity, please contact us on 101.”

DUP MP Carla Lockhart reiterated the appeal from police for anyone with information about the murder to come forward.

“People in Lurgan are still shocked at this murder, and the thoughts of everyone are with the Kelly family as they struggle to comprehend this terrible tragedy,” she said.

“Police have been working tirelessly on the case and it is important that anyone with information can help bring those responsible to justice.

“There has been an appeal for footage that circulated on social media and it would be important that this might be made available for scrutiny.

“It is important justice is secured for the taking of an innocent young man’s life.”

On Wednesday hundreds of people gathered at a vigil in remembrance of Mr Kelly in Edward Street.

Many brought balloons, candles and flowers, while some of his family members wore T-shirts reading ‘Justice for Odhran’.