Houston murder probe continues

Inishowen shocked by Greencastle man’s killing A post mortem due to be carried out yesterday on the body of Greencastle man Paul Houston is expected to confirm he was murdered. Mr. Houston’s body was discovered at around 5.00am on Sunday morning last in the holiday resort of Alvor in the Algarve. The 51-year-old father of four had been holidaying with his wife Celine and friends, Philip and Marian Devlin, and is understood to have been the victim of a robbery. The post mortem was due to be carried out in Portimao Hospital by chief coroner Conceicao Roubacu. He was not available for comment, however spokesperson for his office said he was awaiting instructrion from the local court before proceeding with the autopsy. Late yesterday afternoon, Portuguese police continued to say they were treating the death as “suspicious” and as “an attempt ed robbery.” However, the local media carried reports that Mr. Houston was murdered and statements from witnesses who claimed they saw two men kicking another man after he fell to the ground. Speaking on behalf of the family, Mr Houston’s brothers, Terry and Kevin, said they were devastated by their loss. “Paul was a very special person and his loss is devastating to our family, his many friends and the community in which he lived and served,” they said. “All of the relevant authorities are working very hard to ensure the return of his remains as quickly as possible. “We are very grateful for their assistance to the family at this sad time.” The killing has sent shock waves throughout the North West. Tributes have been pouring in for Mr Houston. Greencastle Golf Club, where Mr Houston was president, closed on Monday after hearing the news of his death and flew their flag at half mast. Captain John McDermott said his loss would be felt greatly throughout the club. “Paul was like looking up at a sky full of stars and he was the big shiny one,” he said. “Most people here knew him, when you would see Paul coming he would always be smiling and always lit up the place. He was never down or grumpy, he was happy-go-lucky. “He was generous; he would’ve given you the shirt of his back as a lot of people here know.” Senator Cecilia Keaveney said the entire North West had been stunned by the news of his untimely death. “Paul, an active business man, was a very popular figure not only in Derry but also in the Greencastle/Shrove area,” she said. “While there is a level of confusion over conflicting reports relating to the exact circumstances, there is a unity of sympathy and empathy with Celine, his wife, and the entire Houston family.” Fr Paddy O’Kane, parish priest at St Pius X in Moville, said Greencastle, Moville and Derry were in a state of shock at the untimely death the highly respected businessman, who owned Houston Shoes on Derry’s Strand Road. “Our hearts go out to his wife Celine, his children, his mother and extended family in their loss to whom we offer our sincere sympathy,” he said. Mr. Houston is survived by his wife, Celine, four children, Christopher, David, Amy and Tom and his mother, Mavis.