The daughters of a 73-year-old profoundly disabled man who died after being attacked in his Co Armagh home have offered a cash reward to catch those responsible.
Eugene Carr, who was 73, died in November 2015 following the attack at his home in Clogharevan Park, Bessbrook, in August that year.
He had been asleep when three masked men stabbed him 15 times before leaving him for dead. No one has been convicted of his killing and detectives have yet to establish a motive.
On the fourth anniversary of his death, two of his daughters have made an appeal. They are offering a £10,000 reward which Crimestoppers has matched to create a total sum of £20,000 for information that will lead to catching those responsible.
The father and grandfather died in the Royal Victoria Hospital, Belfast, on 17 November 2015.
Senior Investigating Officer Detective Chief Inspector Eamonn Corrigan said the attack on Eugene, who was already severely disabled, was vicious and unrelenting.
Police also want to trace the murder weapon.
“While he was conscious for the majority of his 11-week stay in hospital, Eugene did not survive the injuries inflicted on him and he died nearly three months after he was attacked and left for dead in his home.
“His killers have yet to be brought to justice which is devastating for Eugene’s family who deserve to see someone behind bars for his murder,” he said.
The Senior Investigating Officer said it has been a difficult investigation, not least for Eugene’s family.
And he said police have yet to establish a motive for the attack.
“I am aware of rumours as to why this happened and that this may have prevented people from coming forward but the investigation has found no substance to these rumours. These rumours may have been made up by those involved to justify their actions. I firmly believe the answer to who murdered Eugene lies within the Bessbrook community,” he added.
“Today there is a £20,000 reward being offered for information leading to a successful prosecution – £10,000 is from Crimestoppers and this is being matched by a further £10,000 from three of Eugene’s daughters. I sincerely hope this substantial reward provides an incentive for those who know anything to come forward and tell police.”
Police are keen to establish who attacked Eugene and where did they go after the attack, and how did they leave the scene. Police also want to find out who helped the attackers in the aftermath as their clothes would have been covered in blood.
Senior Investigating Officer Detective Chief Inspector Eamonn Corrigan added: “I would appeal to people to search their conscience and help bring those responsible for this vile and terrifying attack on a defenceless elderly man to justice.”
In a statement, Mr Carr’s daughter Patricia Bennett added: “Our dad Eugene was cruelly taken from us nearly four years ago and a day hasn’t gone by since that we don’t miss him or remember the trauma. The gaping hole in our lives is made worse by the fact we know his killers are still out there living their lives while ours are ruined.
“Our dad was severely disabled and living alone when he was subjected to a horrendous and vicious attack while lying asleep in his bed – a place where he should have felt most safe. His killers held him down before stabbing him multiple times. They then threw him on the floor and left him to die. We can’t come to terms with how anyone could do this to a 73 year old frail and defenceless man.
“He had no peace but he needs to be able to rest in peace now and the only way that can happen is if his killers are brought to justice and pay for the devastation they have caused.”
She said the family is grateful to Crimestoppers and she hopes this incentive to people in the community will encourage someone to come forward.
“Please, please if you have any information about who murdered our dad, do the right thing and come forward, he deserves justice and to finally rest in peace. And we need closure,” she added.
Anyone with information should contact detectives on 101 or alternatively information can also be provided to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 which is 100% anonymous and gives people the power to speak up and stop crime.