Boxer Eamonn Magee Jr's killer lay in wait before knife attack, say police
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Version 0 of 1. Police believe the killer of a promising young boxer lay in wait while he visited a friend. Eamonn Magee Jr was stabbed multiple times in the garden of the house at Summerhill Park, West Belfast. His father, Eamonn Magee Sr, is a former WBU welterweight boxing champion. The attack, described by police as vicious, happened as the 22-year-old engineering student went to check on a pizza delivery during the early hours of Saturday. DCI John McVea, who is leading the investigation, said: “We believe that the person was lying in wait for Eamonn as he would have come out of the house.” A 32-year-old man remains in police custody being question about the killing. McVea declined to comment further on whether the man knew Magee or the friend he was visiting. The knife used in the killing is believed to have been stolen from a property nearby which has been searched by police. McVea added: “We believe the attack happened at 2.30 in the morning. But we believe the person may have been in the area for some time prior to the attack” Residents who were alerted to a disturbance tried in vain to save Magee, who died from his injuries shortly after arriving at hospital. A number of floral tributes had been left at the scene in the staunchly nationalist estate on the edge of West Belfast. McVea said the Magee family had been left devastated by the murder, adding: “Eamonn was so popular and had such a promising future ahead of him … He won a number of fights in the early stages of his boxing career. He had a promising future and it is particularly sad for that to have been taken away so needlessly.” Magee Sr was known as the Terminator during his professional career, and he also enjoyed Commonwealth success. His 2002 fight against former world champion Ricky Hatton in Manchester was among his most high profile. Since retiring he has worked as a trainer at Breens gym in Belfast. The boxing world has expressed shock at his son’s murder. Former world champion Barry McGuigan tweeted. “Dreadful news about Eamon Magee Jr, deepest sympathies to his family.” Hatton tweeted: “Just been sickened with the news Eamonn Magee Jnr has been stabbed to death.My love goes out to Eamonn snr.Thinking of you my old friend.x” Belfast’s boxing community also expressed their shock. IBF super-bantamweight champion Carl Frampton tweeted: “Absolutely terrible shocking news about Eamonn Magee Jr. May he RIP.” Double Olympic medallist Paddy Barnes added: “RIP young Eamonn Magee, murder by scum in Belfast last night.” Trainer John Breen, a family friend, described Magee as a “quiet gentleman”, adding: “He was a lovely wee lad. He always took on board everything you said. He was a genuinely lovely lad with a promising future ahead of him. “His father is still in shock. They all are. No one could believe it when they heard the news. It’s a terrible tragedy.” |