The mother of a teenager murdered by loyalist gunmen has pleaded with people to help her find peace by turning over his killers.
Gavin Brett – the brother of a DUP MLA – was shot dead in Glengormley on July 29 2001 but the South East Antrim UDA gang which carried out the killing has never been caught.
The 18-year-old had been standing with a group of friends near the entrance of a GAA club opposite Hollybrook Road when they came under fire in a drive-by shooting by loyalists who assumed he was a Catholic.
Ahead of the 23rd anniversary, Mr Brett’s mother Phyllis issued an emotional appeal for information.
She said: “So much time has passed since my son was murdered. Someone must know who is responsible.
“Please come forward and speak to the police, please help my family find peace.”
Mr Brett’s father Michael, a paramedic, had tried to revive his son. He died in 2007, never seeing his son’s killers brought to justice.
The victim’s brother, Phillip, is now a DUP MLA for North Belfast.
Detective Chief Inspector Byrne from Legacy Investigation Branch said: “Gavin was enjoying an evening with his friends when a dark-coloured saloon type car travelled towards them from the direction of the Upper Hightown Road.
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“As the car passed the friends, an occupant of the vehicle fired a number of shots in their direction before making off at speed towards Glengormley.
“Gavin tragically died at the scene despite medical treatment after he was shot twice. A second 18-year-old man was treated in hospital for a gunshot wound to his ankle.”
Phyllis Brett pictured making an appeal about her son’s murder in 2008
DCI Byrne continued: “We understand two gunmen were involved in Gavin’s horrific murder, and as part of our enquiries at the time – a Vauxhall vehicle was observed shortly before the attack driving in a reckless manner at the Sandyknowes Roundabout.
“A day later on Monday, July 30, a dark blue Vauxhall Nova saloon vehicle was located burnt out behind shops at Ballyearl Drive, New Mossley. We also believe this car was connected to the investigation.”
A number of suspects have been arrested in the years since Mr Brett’s murder but no one has been convicted.
“This was a brutal and harrowing attack on an innocent young man as he enjoyed a night with friends,” DCI Byrne added.
“His adult life was beginning and he had so much to live for. Gavin’s father also sadly died never seeing his son’s killers brought to justice.
“Despite the amount of time that has passed since Gavin’s murder it is not too late, if anyone now feels they are able to talk to us about any information they may have, we are ready to listen.
“Today I am appealing for anyone who may have been in the Hollybrook Road area or the surrounding streets before or after Gavin’s murder and who may have seen the attackers to speak with police.
“Anyone with information can contact police on 101 or you can also submit a report online using our non-emergency reporting form via www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/ or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org/.”