Family Warned of Threats Following Glenn Quinn's Death
The family of Glenn Quinn, a man who was fatally beaten, have been warned that they could be targeted by "serious and organised" criminals.
Police suspect that Glenn Quinn, aged 47, was assaulted by a group of men at his home in Carrickfergus in January 2020.
His family believe that individuals connected to a loyalist paramilitary group, specifically the South East Antrim Ulster Defence Association (UDA), were responsible for the attack.
Martin Quinn, Glenn's brother, stated that police visited him on Wednesday with "information or intelligence that I was going to be attacked," and also indicated that his 82-year-old mother might be targeted.
The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) confirmed that they do not publicly discuss the security of individuals but noted that if they receive information suggesting a person's life may be at risk, the individual will be informed.
Details of the Threats and Police Warnings
Martin Quinn told BBC Radio Ulster's Nolan Show that the police warned him that "the use of a firearm could not be ruled out."
He also mentioned that police informed him they would be visiting his mother to discuss the threat.
"My stomach just turned,"
"An 82-year-old woman, a vulnerable woman, they're going to threaten her as well.
"It's an absolute disgrace, it's disgusting."
The Quinn family have faced multiple threats since Glenn's murder.
Martin Quinn said the family have taken protective measures over the years, but added:
"Still, when you hear it, it takes the air out of your lungs".
Background on Glenn Quinn's Death
Glenn Quinn had no links to any criminal or paramilitary groups but was threatened after making a private comment critical of an attack by the South East Antrim UDA on a friend's business.
He was found dead at his Ashleigh Park residence on 4 January 2020; however, detectives believe he had been seriously injured for several days prior.
Martin Quinn expressed his belief that the latest threats originate from "the people who murdered Glenn." He clarified:
"We do not believe it was the organisation who murdered Glenn, it was individuals,"
Family's Response and Concerns
Martin Quinn described his mother as "the strongest of us all."
When police informed her of the threat, she reportedly said she would "not be changing anything."
"She said 'I am not going to change how I live my life',"
He added:
"Glenn was vulnerable, mum is vulnerable because she is 82 years of age,"
Martin Quinn said he would not be surprised if those making the threats were to attack his mother.
He expressed uncertainty about the reasons behind the threats:
"I have no idea why the threats have been made.
These people act on a whim, make these threats, they murdered Glenn on a whim,"
Martin Quinn urged for increased police patrols in the area but acknowledged that the family "can't ask for much more than that."
He also mentioned that a new team has been assigned to investigate Glenn Quinn's murder and that the family "feel very supported."
"Glenn will get the justice he deserves,"
"And then we can start to grieve."
