What exactly happened in 4 Lammy Crescent on Tuesday 13th November 2007 is still shrouded in mystery. Shock at a horrendous accident quickly turned to disbelief when it became clear that this was premeditated murder.
The true facts of what life was like inside this unassuming end terrace have gone to the grave with Arthur McElhill, his partner Lorraine McGovern and their children Caroline, Sean, Bellina, Clodagh and James.
Neighbours say Mr McElhill was a convicted sex offender and he suffered depression. Some also say he was a control freak. Perhaps then his last act in the early hours of Tuesday was a desperate last attempt to exercise control over life and death in a world he no longer felt part of. Certainly this information, no matter how anecdotal, combined with the fact that police are not seeking to find anyone outside the house, points an accusatory finger in Mr McElhill's direction.
Omagh is a town too familiar with this particular kind of tragedy. Needless deaths rather than genuine accidents. Last night neighbours, school children and emergency services looked on as two pure white vans took the remains of the family from the blackened shell they once called home to Foster Green's mortuary in Belfast.
As local children went back to school today, many of them will stare intently at empty seats once occupied by their friends. It will effect them deeply and that's already been recognised by the provision of counselling. The thought running through their heads, "How could someones dad have done something like this?"
Stories like this one inevitably attract much media coverage - sometimes referred to as a "media circus". But if it is a story which prompts others to speak about what goes on behind closed doors or seek help before it's too late. Then it is a story worth telling.
Some Citybeat coverage:
Broadcast - 14th November 6pm
Broadcast - 15th November 6pm
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