Police investigating the murder of Kevin Davidson have appealed for information about a vehicle seen in Belfast a number of days before the man’s body was found.
Kevin Davidson’s body was discovered on July 20 at a flat in Donegall Avenue, where he had been living.
Two people – Jade Mary Anna Harrison (35), of Donegall Avenue, and Colam Barry McClenaghan (32), of no fixed address – were since charged with his murder and appeared in court last Wednesday.
Both deny the charge, and told police they believed he had left the property after walking in on them having intercourse.
Now police have appealed for information about a white car on the Lisburn Road seen in the early hours of Tuesday July 9.
Detective Inspector Jennifer Rea said: “While two people have been charged with Mr Davidson’s murder, our enquiries are ongoing.
“I am making a specific appeal for information, and have today released images of a car, in respect of an incident that occurred in the early hours of Tuesday 9 July.
The white car on the Lisburn Road police are searching for information about
“At around 12.24am, there appears to have been an altercation on the Lisburn Road, at the junction of Elmwood Avenue, which we believe involved the occupants of a white car. I am appealing to the driver and passengers of this car to contact officers on 101 as soon as possible.
“In addition, I am asking the driver and/or occupants of a dark-coloured car, which was being driven and may have stopped in the Lisburn Road/Elmwood Avenue area between 12.22am and 12.30am, to please get in touch as I believe you may have information that could assist our enquiries.”
Last month, the court heard police went to the Donegall Avenue property three times during searches for Mr Davidson.
Officers found his body in the rear yard under a sleeping bag, which was covered in black bin bags which were weighed down by dumbbells.
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Police bodycam footage also showed air fresheners, perfume and aftershave bottles in the kitchen, and Magic Tree car air fresheners hanging from cupboard doors and in the utility room.
Other bin bags contained items belonging to Mr Davidson, the court heard.
Bloodstained clothing was also found in bags, and there was evidence of blood throughout the house.
The body had neck injuries and signs of strangulation. There was also an injury to the victim’s knee.
A PSNI detective said there was evidence a clothes line had been removed from the rear of the property, and the medical evidence was not consistent with self-asphyxiation.
Both accused claimed not to know Mr Davidson’s body was at the property.
The white car on the Lisburn Road police are searching for information about
The court was told a witness overheard a phone argument between Mr Davidson, Harrison and another male, who they believe was McClenaghan.
Mr Davidson’s mother also gave a statement, where she claimed she overheard an argument between her son and Harrison in which he said “they are going to beat me up” on the last call she had with him, which took place on July 8.
The court heard when police attended the property on July 19, Harrison handed over a back-pack and mobile phone belonging to Mr Davidson.
It was stated there were “inconsistencies” in accounts given by both accused on when they last saw Mr Davidson, and it was “very evident” there was an “issue over money”, after Mr Davidson previously claimed Harrison stole £300 from him.
Police can’t yet establish when Mr Davidson was killed and are awaiting a pathologist report.
But they believe the murder took place in the backyard, as there was no sign the body had been moved.
Solicitor Róise Fitzpatrick, representing McClenaghan, claimed “police were clutching at straws” to link him to the murder and he was “totally oblivious” to Mr Davidson’s body being at the rear of the property.
Harrison’s lawyer Una Conway claimed there was nothing to link her either.
“There has not been one shred of evidence presented to conflict Ms Harrison’s version of events,” she added.
District Judge Anne Marshall said: “I do find there is sufficient evidence to connect both accused.”
Harrison and McClenaghan were remanded in custody.
The case will return to court on August 22.