Man Seeking Justice for Brother’s Murder Dies Days After Police Apology

Campaigner Eugene Thompson Passes Away After Receiving Apology for 1994 Killing

A man who tirelessly sought answers for his brother’s murder has died shortly after receiving a personal apology from the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) Chief Constable. Eugene Thompson passed away this week at the Mater Hospital in Belfast.

Police Acknowledge Failures in Murder Investigation

The PSNI Chief Constable, Jon Boutcher, delivered the apology to a terminally ill Eugene Thompson at his bedside last week. The apology acknowledged significant police failings in the investigation into the 1994 murder of his brother, Paul Thompson, who was killed by loyalist terrorists.

Paul Thompson, aged 25, was shot dead while travelling home in a taxi near Springfield Park. Paramilitary activity, believed to involve the UDA cutting through a peace line fence, was reportedly alerted to police beforehand.

Chief Constable Boutcher stated that the murder had not been subjected to a “full and effective investigation.”

Political Tributes and Ongoing Legal Battle

Sinn Féin MP Paul Maskey offered his condolences, praising Eugene Thompson‘s “brave and dignified campaign” to uncover the full truth of his brother’s sectarian murder and the alleged role of the British state.

“Shamefully, the British government continues to conceal this, denying Eugene’s family, and so many others, even the most basic justice.”

—Paul Maskey, MP

Mr Maskey further commented on Eugene Thompson‘s enduring determination, adding, “This was testament to Eugene’s character, determined right to the end to see justice for Paul.”

The UK Government is currently pursuing a legal challenge at the Supreme Court to prevent the disclosure of key evidence from a security force file related to Paul Thompson‘s inquest.

Just last week, Eugene Thompson had expressed his hope for a swift judgment from the Supreme Court, welcoming the apology he received from Chief Constable Boutcher.