A man has been found dead in County Down, Northern Ireland, in the Diocese of Down and Connor. The incident is believed to be linked to a brutal attack on a local parish priest.
Local police have begun a murder investigation, and a 30-year-old man has been arrested in connection with the incident.
The murder comes after Canon John Murray was hit on the head with a glass bottle and seriously injured by an assailant pretending he wished to go to confession on the morning of 10 August. The attack took place on a Sunday, with Fr Murray due to celebrate Mass for the parish that same morning. Fr Murray remains in serious condition, though he is said to be “stable.”
The Downpatrick Family of Parishes, of which St Patrick’s is a part and where Fr Murray serves, described his condition as “stable and comfortable.”
At 75 years of age, Fr Murray is due to retire on Thursday. He is one of three priests who serve the family of parishes, which offers Mass 14 times per week.
The parish community responded by holding a prayer service for peace in the community on Sunday in one of the local parishes. When news of the second attack surfaced, the parish told the community: “As we pray for Fr John’s recovery, please pray for the happy repose of the soul of another man who sadly died after he was assaulted.”
Fr McGee, Diocesan Communications Officer for the Diocese of Down and Connor, spoke to RTÉ’s Morning Ireland, stating that Fr Murray is “well respected and liked” in the Downpatrick community.
“He has a great commitment to his ministry and to the people,” Fr McGee said. “People here are just so shocked that this would happen to him.”
Fr McGee also confirmed that Fr Murray had been visited by the Bishop of Down and Connor, the Most Reverend Alan McGuckian.
Responding to the attack on Fr Murray, Diane Forsy, DUP Member of the Northern Ireland Assembly for South Down, said: “Absolutely shocking and disgraceful attack on a religious leader in a place of worship.” When news emerged that a man had been murdered, she said: “My thoughts and prayers are with the entire community as they process the devastating murder and serious assault. I commend the Police on the arrest and urge anyone with information to come forward.”
Supt Norman Haslett explained: “Inquiries are at an early stage and, at this time, we suspect this may be connected to a serious assault in the St Patrick’s Avenue area of Downpatrick on Sunday.”
“I am appealing to anyone who believes they may have information which could assist us with our investigation to contact us on 101, quoting reference number 713 of 10 August 2025.”