Carroll widow: Stephen’s killers killed my son too

Kate Carroll, whose husband was murdered by the Continuity IRA in 2009, has spoken of her grief at losing her only son Shane this week.

It is understood Shane’s lifeless body was found by his wife at their home in Katesbridge, Co Down on Tuesday.

He was 48 – the same age as his stepfather at the time of his murder in Craigavon.

A distraught Mrs Carroll told Q Radio that the terrorists had “killed Shane too”.

She said her son had suffered from depression having never got over his devoted stepfather’s death.

Shane is to be buried beside Constable Carroll in Banbridge.

Victims’ campaigner Ann Travers also said she understands how a terrorist murder can lead to further tragedy.

In a Twitter message she said she is “devastated for Kate and Shane’s wife and children,” and added: “Violent trauma and complex grief sends out ripples that are far reaching in a family. The bullet doesn’t stop”.

The Carroll family are members of the victims’ group SEFF.

SEFF director of services Kenny Donaldson said: “This news is absolutely horrific, our hearts are breaking for Elaine and Shane’s children and his dear mummy Kate.

“Those who murdered Stephen Carroll hold a level of responsibility for this tragedy. The emotional and mental turmoil Shane had to carry since the brutal murder of his step dad and best friend has been immense.”

Speaking to the Belfast Telegraph earlier this week, Mrs Carroll said: “Shane has gone; I’m in bits. He has never been the same since we lost Steve. He just couldn’t get over his death.”

She added: “First Steve, now Shane. It’s heartbreaking. I’ve lost the two most precious people to me in the world over what’s been happening in this country.”

According to a notice on the Funeral Times website, Shane was a “much loved husband of Elaine and devoted daddy of Dean, Katelyn, Jordan, Skye, Carley-Rose, Riley, Ariana, Harley and Ella-Rose and darling son of Kate.”