NYPD probes gang initiation link to Irishman’s shooting

POLICE in New York confirmed yesterday they still have no firm lead in their six-month investigation into the murder of a well known Co Clare GAA figure.

However, detectives are following up the theory that John Kelly was shot by a young gang member as part of a sick initiation ceremony. Police believe Mr Kelly was not an actively pursued target but that he simply was in the wrong place at the wrong time.

The 43-year-old from Sixmilebridge was shot once in the head as he took down Christmas decorations outside the apartment building where he lived and worked as superintendent.

The shooting happened at about 8pm on January 15 and he was pronounced dead an hour later.

Bronx murder squad detective Sean Murray said: “We are still examining the possibility that this murder was carried out because of a gang initiation ceremony.

“This case has a special interest for every Irish cop in the city because it touches very close to home.”

Mr Kelly’s wife Ann, 39, is also from Sixmilebridge and they have two daughters, Lauren, 15, Nicole, 11, and a son, Kevin, nine.

A spokeswoman for the public affairs department of the NYPD said yesterday: “This is still an active and open investigation. We are still looking for the people who committed the crime.”

The apartment block is in the affluent Bruckner Boulevard area of New York and the apartment block is home to relatives of actress Jennifer Lopez.

Mr Kelly was a well known hurler before he emigrated 20 years ago and as well as being building manager of the apartment block where he was shot, he also worked as a bartender in the Bronx.

Mr Kelly trained hurling teams in New York and was highly thought of in the Irish community.