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Man appears in court in connection with Shane Whitla murder

Shane Whitla was discovered in Lord Lurgan Park in the Co Armagh town on 12 January
Shane Whitla was discovered in Lord Lurgan Park in the Co Armagh town on 12 January

A man has appeared in court in Co Armagh charged with the murder of Shane Whitla in Lurgan last Thursday.

Mr Whitla, 39, a father-of-four, was discovered in Lord Lurgan Park in the town on 12 January.

He had been shot several times close to his home before making his way to the park where he was found dead a short time later.

Appearing via link at Craigavon Magistrates Court this morning was 25-year-old Kevin Conway from Deeny Drive in Lurgan.

His solicitor said he totally denies any involvement in the murder.

Mr Conway was remanded in custody to appear in court again next Friday.

Detectives investigating his death have also searched a house in Lurgan and arrested a 29-year-old man.

The man was arrested yesterday evening and taken to Antrim Serious Crime Suite for questioning following the house search.

Meanwhile, detectives have been granted an extension of 27 hours for the further detention of a 28-year-old man arrested on Wednesday on suspicion of Mr Whitla's murder.

Additional reporting PA