Graffin killer is stabbed to death
Thursday, 25 September 2008
Seamus Graffin: his hit and run killer has been murdered in Norway, it has emerged.
THE fugitive sought by police for the hit and run killing of a popular Antrim businessman has been knifed to death in Norway, the Antrim Guardian can reveal.
The lengthy manhunt, which had involved police north and south of the border, came to a dramatic end after the prime suspect paid the ultimate price while on the run from the authorities.
Seamus Graffin had resolved to waste no time shedding the Christmas pounds on Boxing Day 2006 when he made the fateful decision to take his new bike on its maiden journey from Antrim to Randalstown.
The 58-year-old was a familiar face in the town, both as former owner of The Paper Shop and as an ex-Captain of Massereene Golf Club, so many people cheerfully waved him on his way as he left his home on the Oriel Road shortly before 3pm.
It was the last time they saw him alive - and for the Graffin family the festive season could never be the same again.
For as Seamus made his way along Castle Road at 3.15pm he was slammed into a wall by the driver of a white Audi car which had careered off the road and on to the footpath.
Rather than stopping to inspect the terrible consequences, the car roared away leaving the businessman mortally wounded by the roadside.
The vehicle was later found abandoned at the Ballygrooby roundabout on the outskirts of Randalstown. The driver and his passengers had fled.
The PSNI launched a major manhunt for the Lithuanian man thought to have been behind the wheel, but he somehow evaded arrest fleeing south of the border.
It is understood that the 19-year-old lived for a short time in Dublin before returning to continental Europe ending his travels - and his life - in Norway.
Sources have confirmed that the man responsible for the death of Mr Graffin was murdered - slashed by a knifeman following a heated argument with a gang of Eastern Europeans.
A police spokesman has confirmed that any hopes of getting a conviction died with him.
“The police investigation into the death of Seamus Graffin, who died following a hit and run incident in December 2006, has concluded," a spokesman told the Guardian last night.
“At this time the police are no longer seeking anyone else in connection with this incident.
“I can confirm that a file is now be to be submitted for the information of Her Majesty's Coroner."
He added that the Graffin family have been informed of the dramatic developments of recent weeks.
“At all stages since his death police have through senior officers and liaison officers kept the family informed in terms of the investigation and indeed other matters."
The Graffin family were unavailable for contact last night, but it is understood that they are 'saddened' that they have been denied the justice they crave - and that another life has been cut senselessly short.
