PSNI appeal 2 years on from murder of Raymond Johnston

Today marks two years since the brutal murder in West Belfast

Raymond Johnston
Published 13th Feb 2020

Today marks two years since the brutal murder of Raymond Johnston in West Belfast, and police are asking those with information to 'search their conscience' and come forward.

The 28 year old was shot dead at his home on Glenbawn Avenue in front of his partner and her 11 year old daughter.

Detective Chief Inspector Darren McCartney said: "Two years have passed since Raymond's brutal murder and the pain of losing him has not lessened for those who loved him.”

“CCTV footage captured outside Mr Johnston's home shows two hooded men approaching the house at around 7.45pm and making their way inside. One of these men is clearly armed with a weapon. They emerge from the house less than 10 seconds later, having shot Raymond in the chest, killing him. Ten seconds was all it took to take Raymond’s life and ruin the lives of all those who loved him.”

"Someone must have seen these two men. I would ask you to cast your mind back to the evening of Tuesday, 13 February 2018. “

“Did you see these two men, one of whom was wearing what is believed to have been a blue coat with fur around the hood and possibly a balaclava, enter Raymond's home in Glenbawn Avenue?

“Did you see them get into a dark coloured car and leave the Poleglass area at speed at around 8pm, after they shot Raymond?

“Were you travelling in your car on the Glenbawn Avenue/Glenbawn Square/Bryanswell Road/Bellsteel Road/Partridge Road/Stewartstown Road or Colinwell Road between7.00pm and 9.00pm? If you were - did you see anything unusual or out of the ordinary?

"I would also appeal to anyone who met with, or spoke with Raymond at any time on Tuesday, 13 February 2018 to contact us. Do you remember where and when you saw him? Was he with anyone? What was he doing?

"Someone out there knows who carried out this cold blooded murder. I would ask you to examine your conscience and come forward with whatever information you have, make contact with us on the non-emergency number 101, quoting reference 1192 13/02/18. Alternatively, information can also be provided to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, which is 100% anonymous and gives people the power to speak up and stop crime."