Tom Oliver - family statement

The family of murdered Tom Oliver have spoken out as detectives from Operation Kenova make a fresh appeal for information on the 30th anniversary of his death.

The 43-year-old farmer’s body was discovered in a layby at the junction of Tate Road and Newtown Road, Belleeks in Co Armagh in the early hours of 20 July 1991. He had been shot in the head six times. He had last been seen alive at about 1am the previous day when he was attending to a cow on his farmland.

Operation Kenova took over the investigation in April 2019 and has been working closely with An Garda Siochana. To date Operation Kenova detectives have spoken to a number of people, taken numerous statements and recovered new DNA material.

You can read a full update on the investigation into Tom Oliver's death here.

The following statement has been released by Tom Oliver's family to mark the 30th anniversary of his death:

"The 30th anniversary brings with it mixed emotions. In those 30 years we have grieved in silence - without any meaningful investigation. 

"There has been a catalogue of failed investigations which have been ineffective from their inception. 
 
"We now have hope that the net is closing on those responsible for Tom’s murder. 
 
"Operation Kenova has now confirmed that fresh evidence has come to light which includes fresh DNA evidence. This is coupled with a focused investigation with specific lines of enquiry - not just nationally, but internationally. 
 
"After 30 years, there is now light at the end of a very dark tunnel. We today seek to call upon those with information to come forward and assist Jon Boutcher with his enquiries.
 
"Tom’s case is the prime example on why there can be no limitation in time for investigating a murder. Our grief has no limitation; and neither can truth, justice or accountability." 

Latest Update