THE DETECTIVE heading up the investigation into the murder of Wayne Boylan has described his death as ‘senseless and callous’.
Detective Chief Inspector Geoff Boyce says he is determined to put the murderers behind bars as he appealed for information.
Mr Boylan, 37, died after being shot during a get-together at a friend’s house in Warrenpoint, Co. Down on Friday night.
“Wayne was enjoying an evening with friends at his friend’s home in Lower Dromore Road when two cold-blooded killers burst into the house at around 7.30pm,” said DCI Boyce.
The masked men fired what police believe was a shotgun at the father-of-two, striking him in the head.
Mr Boylan was fatally injured and died at the scene.
Pellets from the blasts also struck Mr Boylan’s friend, a 21-year-old woman, in the face and neck.
She has undergone emergency surgery and remains critically ill in intensive care.
'Immeasurable pain'
“This was a senseless and callous murder perpetrated on a completely unsuspecting man,” added DCI Boyce.
“Wayne was a father and his two young children have been left without their father. He was a son, a brother and a friend.
“His murder has caused them immeasurable pain and their lives will be forever changed by his loss.”
Police have yet to identity a motive for the attack.
They have appealed for anyone who saw anything unusual in the Lower Dromore Road area, or the dual carriageway between Newry and Warrenpoint, to get in touch.
“We want to be able to give answers to a grieving family. To give them justice by putting his murderers behind bars,” said DCI Boyce.
The Major Investigation Team can be contacted by calling 02844 611001. Information can also be provided anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.