Connor McNeill admits murder of neighbour Stephen Barriskill in chilling Portadown killing
Guilty plea in Belfast Crown Court
Connor McNeill today pleaded guilty to killing his 63-year-old neighbour, Stephen Barriskill. The tragic murder happened in Barriskill’s Portadown home on the evening of October 26, 2021.
Life sentence with minimum 15½ years
McNeill, already handed a life sentence, was told he must serve at least 15 and a half years before he can apply for parole.
Confession came just hours after the shooting
Detective Chief Inspector Neil McGuinness revealed McNeill turned himself in the very next day. “He voluntarily approached police on October 27 and confessed to fatally shooting his neighbour with a legally held shotgun,” said DCI McGuinness.
Officers who rushed to the Portadown home found Stephen Barriskill dead with two gunshot wounds to the chest. McNeill was charged with murder on October 28 after discussions with the Public Prosecution Service.
Shocking crime leaves family grieving
“This case was straightforward thanks to McNeill’s confession, but it remains deeply distressing for everyone,” said DCI McGuinness. “Our hearts go out to the grieving family.”
