Fresh appeal launched over 1976 murder of UDR man Jimmy Speer

A fresh appeal for information has been made into the death of a father of three who was shot and killed in November 1976.

Joseph James Speer, also known as Jimmy, from Longfield Road, Desertmartin, was a part-time Lance-Corporal in the UDR.

The Independent Commission for Reconciliation and Information Recovery (ICRIR) has launched a new investigation into the death of the 46-year-old car garage owner.

Shortly before 6pm on November 9 1976, two armed men entered a garage on Drumard Road in Draperstown and stole a light blue coloured Ford Cortina, bearing registration number JIA6492.

At around 6.10pm, a man entered Mr Speer’s garage and asked for someone to look at his car’s radiator as it was leaking water.

Mr Speer, who was leaning on an office counter speaking with staff, told the man he would help him shortly.

The man then pulled out a gun and shot Mr Speer. A second gunman also fired at him.

The gunmen then escaped at speed along Longfield Road in the stolen Ford Cortina, abandoning the car on Motalee Road, Magherafelt.

Amanda Logan, assistant commissioner at the ICRIR, said the appeal comes on the 50th anniversary of Mr Speer’s death.

“This attack, like many others during the Troubles/Conflict, devastated a family,” she said.

“For half a century Jimmy’s loved ones have endured the pain of their loss and the Commission is working to provide them with the truth about what happened to him.”

Ms Logan added: “For five decades the Speer family have sought the truth of what happened to Jimmy.

“I appeal to anyone with information concerning the attack to come forward to the Commission.

“What you know, no matter how insignificant it may seem, could prove to be key in providing the answers they have waited so long to receive.”