Sign in Subscribe
Murder

Loyalist Paramilitaries Admit to Killing Pregnant Mother in Front of Children

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

In a brutal and devastating attack, the Ulster Volunteer Force (UVF) has admitted to killing a 38-year-old pregnant mother, Kathleen O'Hagan, in front of her five children, including a 17-month-old baby boy who was in a cot next to the bed. The UVF claimed O'Hagan was an IRA member, but police described the murder as "savage and senseless." This is the 52nd paramilitary killing in Northern Ireland this year, and it has left the community reeling.

Key Takeaways:

  • Kathleen O'Hagan, a 38-year-old pregnant mother, was shot and killed by the Ulster Volunteer Force (UVF) at her family's bungalow near Cookstown, Co Tyrone.
  • The UVF claimed O'Hagan was an IRA member, but police have described the murder as "savage and senseless."
  • The attack took place in front of O'Hagan's five children, including a 17-month-old baby boy who was in a cot next to the bed.
  • The UVF released a statement admitting responsibility and warning that more killings were to come.
  • Police found a car believed to have been used in the attack, which was found burnt out a mile from the murder scene.
  • The family had been repeatedly harassed by the security forces, and neighbors described O'Hagan as a "lovely lady" and a "real Irish mother."
  • Protestant and Catholic politicians have condemned the murder, with some calling for an independent inquiry to be established.

Statistics:

  • 52 paramilitary killings in Northern Ireland this year
  • 3 women murdered by loyalist paramilitaries this year, including Kathleen O'Hagan
  • Up to 17 shots fired through the living room window in the murder of Theresa Clinton in April
  • 390 days since the last public killing by the UVF
  • 452 days since the last public killing by the UFF
  • 102 weeks since the last public killing by the UVF

Sources:

  • "Ulster Volunteer Force admits to killing of woman, 38, and her unborn child" – The Irish Times
  • "Loyalist paramilitaries admit to killing pregnant mother and unborn child" – The Guardian
  • "UVF killed pregnant woman and baby in front of her four boys" – The Belfast Telegraph
  • Interview with Father John Ryder, local priest and representative of the O'Hagan family
  • Statement from the Ulster Volunteer Force (UVF)
  • Police statement describing the murder as "savage and senseless"

Read more