Brother of murdered Co Derry farmer puts up £100,000 reward for information that leads to arrest and conviction of killer

The heartbroken brother of a Claudy farmer who was murdered 20 years ago has offered a reward of £100,000 for information which leads to the arrest and conviction of his killer.

Aiden Devine has put up the reward in the hope that someone will come forward with information on his brother Patrick's unsolved brutal murder in 2004.

The reward is in addition to £20,000 which the Crimestoppers charity offered last week on the 20^th anniversary of Mr Devine's death.

Patrick Devine was found dead in his home on the Mullintill Road in Claudy on Monday, September 13 2004.

The 51-year-old sheep farmer and part-time nurse was shot several times in the head and chest as he was having a meal in his home.

Despite extensive police enquiries and the arrest of five people during the investigation, no one has been held accountable for his murder.

Speaking to the County Derry Post, Aiden Devine said the family 'deserve justice' after all these years.

“Although it’s been 20 years, it seems like only yesterday at the same time,” he said.

“Over the years we have done multiple appeals, including Crimewatch and a reconstruction on TG4 that we assisted with, none of them were easy, and when you feel they’ve done no good it’s disheartening.

“Both my parents died without justice or closure and two of my sisters, one was an obvious broken heart.

“I offered a reward on the tenth anniversary of £50,000, now on the 20th anniversary I'd like to offer £100,000. 

“That’s in addition to the Crimestoppers £20,000, and thanks to the charity for offering that.

“I’ve said it before, it’s common knowledge in the area of who killed Patrick.

“We deserve justice,” added Aiden.

Meanwhile, PSNI detectives have also issued a fresh appeal for information on the murder of Mr Devine.

Detective Chief Inspector Mark Gibson said: “It is now 20 years since Patrick’s life was taken from him in a brutal and calculated manner, and his family’s wait for justice has gone on for far too long.

“Mr Devine was well known in the area, especially for his farming activities, and also for his work as a nurse. We believe that some people resented his success.
“It is still the view of police that Patrick was the victim of a contract killing carried out by an organised crime group with paramilitary links against a background of rumours of alleged sheep stealing and land disputes, although Mr Devine himself had a clear criminal record.

“On this, the 20th anniversary of his murder, we are appealing to the community for their assistance and help.

“I am asking people to think about what happened to Patrick 20 years ago and the brutal circumstances of his death – he was shot several times in the head and chest as he was having a meal in his home.

“The individuals who did this are dangerous, ruthless and unfortunately have never been held accountable. I am appealing to anyone who knows anything about Patrick’s murder to come forward, talk to us and help us end the pain which his family has endured for all these years.

“In the 20 years since Patrick’s murder, circumstances and allegiances may have changed. If anyone now feels they are able to talk to us, we are here and ready to listen, and you can contact us on 101.

“Crimestoppers are offering a reward, and I’m keen to stress that the charity guarantees everyone who contacts them via their website or on the phone stays completely anonymous.”

Crimestoppers, who are independent of police, are offering a reward of up to £20,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for Patrick’s murder. 

The reward is only payable for information passed directly to Crimestoppers, rather than to police.

With Crimestoppers, computer IP addresses are never traced. Telephone calls are never recorded, there is no caller line display and no 1471 facility.

Contact crimestoppers-uk.org or call the charity’s 24/7 Contact Centre on 0800 555 111.