A Donegal based father of two found guilty of murdering his wife during a boating holiday in County Fermanagh will serve a minimum of 20 years in prison.
44 year old Stephen McKinney, a native of Strabane who had been living in Convoy with his family killed Lu Na McKinney in April 2017.
Her body was recovered from Lough Erne beside a jetty on Devenish Island.
Speaking outside Belfast Crown Court today, Detective Superintendent Eamonn Corrigan said on Wednesday April 12th, 2017, Stephen McKinney took his family on a boating trip on Lough Erne – Lu Na would never return alive. Her children would return without their mother.
Following a ‘999’ call from Stephen McKinney stating his wife had fallen into the water and he could not find her, a thorough police investigation ensued.
Now, he concluded, through the testimonies of expert witnesses who used ground breaking techniques, McKinney has been sentenced today.
He urged anyone who feels trapped in an abusive relationship to come forward, promising that police will robustly investigate all allegations of abuse and fully support people through the criminal justice process.
PSNI Statement in full –
Sentencing of Stephen McKinney for the murder of Lu Na McKinney
Today, Thursday, 25 November, at Belfast Crown Court 45 year old Stephen McKinney was sentenced to a minimum of 20 years imprisonment for the murder of his wife Lu Na McKinney.
Detective Superintendent Eamonn Corrigan from Police Service of Northern Ireland’s Major Investigation Team said: “Today my thoughts are very much with Lu Na’s children and her family whose suffering and loss will live with them for the rest of their lives.
Detective Superintendent Corrigan continued: “On Wednesday, 12th April 2017 Stephen McKinney took his family on a boating trip on Lough Erne – Lu Na would never return alive. Her children would return without their mother.
“Following a ‘999’ call from Stephen McKinney stating his wife had fallen into the water and he could not find her, a thorough police investigation ensued.
“Through the dedication and tenacity of the investigating officers, along with the testimonies of expert witnesses who used ground breaking techniques, and working closely with our partners in the Public Prosecution Service, Stephen McKinney was found guilty of the murder of his wife and sentenced today.
“I know today’s sentencing will never bring Lu Na back, however I hope this outcome brings some sort of comfort to her family.
“Stephen McKinney thought he had silenced Lu Na, he hadn’t – police spoke for her and found justice.”
Detective Superintendent Corrigan went on to make a specific appeal to anyone who feels trapped in an abusive relationship: “Domestic abuse is a terrifying and impactful crime and very often people who are being abused feel isolated, vulnerable and frightened and don’t know where to turn. Please know that help is available. You can contact us on 101 or 999 in an emergency.
“We are here to help you and we will robustly investigate all allegations of abuse and fully support you through the criminal justice process. Please be assured that you can come forward in confidence and speak to detectives who will treat you with sensitivity and respect.
“A 24-hour Domestic and Sexual Abuse Helpline is also available to anyone who has concerns about domestic or sexual abuse, now or in the past, the number for which is 0808 802 1414.”
“And we are not the only organisation that can help. Women’s Aid; Rainbow Project, Men’s Advisory Project, Men’s Alliance and other support services also offer a wide range of help and advice – You can find more information online at; https://www.psni.police.uk/crime/domestic-abuse/who-can-help-me/
Statement issued on behalf of Lu Na’s family.
We would sincerely like to express our thanks to the judge, the jury, the PSNI major investigation team, the prosecution team and all those who assisted the police investigation and the subsequent court trial.
We appreciate the huge effort and hard work that has been undertaken by many, many people which has contributed to the successful conviction of Stephen McKinney for the murder of our much-loved Lu Na.
As a family, we have endured four very difficult years, made more difficult living so far away from the investigation and trial. We are thankful that Lu Na had so many people fighting for her. We appreciate the dedication that was shown by the investigation team who worked on this case and provided our family with detailed updates as the case progressed.
The outcome of this court process has brought us some justice, it does not change the fact that Lu Na was so cruelly taken from us and we will never be able to see her, talk to her or for Lu Na to be part of our family celebrations. We will never get over our loss. We all love Lu Na and will miss her forever.
Thank you.
