PORTADOWN KNIFE KILLINGS MAN FACES COURT OVER DEATHS OF ELDERLY COUPLE
THE family of an elderly couple murdered in Co Armagh have said they are “relieved” the suspected killer has been charged.
The bodies of Michael and Marjorie Cawdery, both 83, were found in their Portadown home last Friday.
They had been stabbed to death.
Thomas Scott McEntee (40), of Moorfield Court, Kilkeel, appeared before Lisburn Magistrates Court yesterday charged with the murders.
Following his brief court appearance, Mr and Mrs Cawdery’s family said they hoped “justice will prevail”.
In a statement issued through police, the family said: “We would like to express once again our sincere thanks to all who have sent flowers, condolences, messages of sympathy and helped in many practical ways.
“We are very relieved that a suspect has been charged and we hope that justice for Michael and Marjorie will prevail.
“Our thanks also go to the entire PSNI team for their compassion and professionalism.
“We thank the media for respecting our request for privacy and hope this will continue as we prepare for the funerals.”
McEntee stood with his head bowed when he appeared in the dock.
His lawyer told the court McEntee had “mental health difficulties” and had been under supervision while in police custody following his arrest.
No members of the Cawdery family were in court for the hearing.
Dressed in a grey sweatshirt, McEntee was also charged with aggravated burglary and aggravated vehicle-taking.
The court heard he was armed with a knife when he allegedly broke into the couple’s Upper Ramone Park home.
He is alleged to have stolen a cheque book and keys from the house before stealing the couple’s car.
The car was found by police officers a mile from the murder scene.
A detective chief inspector told the court he believed he could connect the accused to the crimes. No application for bail was made.
District Judge Rosemary Watters remanded the accused in custody to appear before Craigavon Magistrates Court on June 23 via video-link.