Teenager is released after foul play in boy’s death is ruled out
POLICE have ruled out anything suspicious in the death of a Co Down teenager and released an 18-year-old man who had been arrested on suspicion of murder.
Conor Robb (16) was discovered dead at his home in Castlewellan on Christmas Eve.
Police investigating his sudden death arrested an 18-yearold, but following the results of a post-mortem examination the PSNI said last night that he was no longer under suspicion.
Detectives from the PSNI’s Serious Crime Branch said they have now dropped their investigations.
Mr Robb is a former pupil of St Malachy’s High School in the town where he played in the Gaelic football team.
SDLP South Down MLA Colin McGrath said the community was still reeling from hearing the sad news.
He said: “People in this community are just shocked by what we’re hearing.
“Although this death happened on Christmas Eve, details of the circumstances are only now emerging.
“My thoughts and those of my colleagues are with the young man, Conor, who lost his life and his family and friends at this incredibly difficult time.
“I know that the local community will rally around their family and friends and offer whatever support we can to help them as they begin to mourn their loss.
“This is a difficult time for family and friends and wider community — the family will need space to deal with their loss.
“They are in my thoughts and prayers.”
SDLP councillor John Trainor said: “No family should have to deal with such a tragedy at Christmas.”
Since the news of his shock death broke, friends of Mr Robb have been posting tributes online.
Jade Savage wrote: “So heart breaking, most favourite person ever, and bestest friend. “Love and miss you Conor.” Tiernan Lawless also paid tribute to the friend he would walk his dog with and who he said he is going to miss.
He posted: “Rest in peace Conor.
“You were always there for me when no-one else was, you are always going to be my brother. Even though we fell out at times we never could break that bond we had.
“I’m going to miss you mate. “Have known you seven years and that’s enough time to realise you were the best and still the best. Keep smiling and watching over us.
“Hope to see you again mate, actually so hard to believe you’re gone.
“I will never forget the times we had even if they were good or bad. Rest in peace Conor.”
Conor’s funeral will take place on Friday, December 29, at St Patrick’s and St Joseph Church, Ballykinlar.
He is survived by his mother Suzanne and siblings Danny, Josephine and Lauren.