Two brothers were charged yesterday with murdering Mr Ciaran Kelly, a nephew of Mr John Kelly, the Sinn Féin Assembly member for Mid-Ulster.Mr Kelly (35) died on Sunday after a hammer attack in his flat at Antrim Road, Belfast, which he had just moved into a week ago.
His girl-friend, Ms Karen McSorley (35), suffered a head injury.
In the dock at Belfast Magistrates' Court were Mr Patrick Byers (17), Glenveagh Drive, Belfast, and Mr John Byers (22), who lived in the same block of flats as the victim.
The two were also charged with maliciously causing grievous bodily harm to Ms McSorley (35).
Det Insp Ian Finlay said that when Patrick Byers was charged, he replied, "Not guilty". His brother replied "No." He said he believed he could connect them to the charges.
Replying to a solicitor for John Byers, the inspector said a psychiatric history had been indicated to the arresting officer and he had answered all questions during interview at which he was accompanied by "an appropriate adult." Both were remanded until March 31st.