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Antigua shooting: husband does not know bride is dead
Elizabeth Hopkirk, Evening Standard29 Jul 2008
The husband of the British doctor murdered on their Caribbean honeymoon does not know she is dead, his family said today.
Ben Mullany, 31, remained unconscious today as he fought for his life after being shot by the same gunman who killed his wife Catherine, also 31, in Antigua.
His parents were set to arrive at his bedside knowing they might have to break the news of his wife's murder during what is being described as a bungled robbery.
Physiotherapist Mr Mullany has been in a coma since being shot in the neck at the couple's hotel and is on life support. Mrs Mullany was shot in the head.
Up to 14 people have been rounded up by police probing the murder and five are still being held.
The couple, from Pontardawe in Wales, were on the last day of a two-week honeymoon when robbers apparently burst into their Cocos Hotel holiday cottage as they slept at 5am on Sunday.
They were married at Mr Mullany's family church near Swansea on 12 July.
Mr Mullany's uncle, Desmond, said: "Ben is critically ill in hospital out there - we are just hoping that he will pull through.
"We don't believe he is aware that Catherine has died and his parents are preparing to fly out to be with him.
"That this could happen on what was meant to be such a happy occasion is an absolute tragedy for both families."
Doctors at Holberton Hospital in Antigua have informed Ben's parents, Marilyn and Cynlais, of a "slight improvement" in his condition.
A statement from Catherine's parents, Rachel and Dai Bowen, released through police, spoke of their devastation and appealed for privacy.
Both families were today flying out to Antigua. The murder was the 10th this year on the island, where police are struggling to contain a wave of violence. Local media reported a spate of shootings at the weekend, with at least two other people attacked by masked gunmen.
Antigua's police commissioner, Gary Nelson, told reporters that officers from a special task force for serious crime were conducting the inquiry.
Police spokesman Cornelius Charles later confirmed detectives had interviewed a number of "persons of interest" but did not yet have a suspect. No murder weapon has been found.
Mr Charles added that police were hoping to speak with Mr Mullany once his condition improved. "I think he can answer a lot of questions," he said. "So far we haven't had anyone who can really say they saw [what happened] - we have had people who say they heard."
Paediatrician Dr Dewi Evans, who worked with Catherine at Singleton Hospital in Swansea, said: "There is a cloud hanging over the hospital today but Catherine would have wanted us to carry on to put the patients first. That is the sort of person she was. It is a very close-knit community and this has affected everyone."
Reader views (2)
We spent some time in Antigua last year and during that time a British family including a 5 yr old boy was attacked with a knife in their home. The police didn't arrive until a long time latter but were seen around the cornering staying away until they knew the coast was clear.
Then the police started turning up asking for things including money which they gave to feel safe. The police are very ineffective and corrupt and drugs in Antigua are a large problem. Its a shame as its a really beautiful place. Shame he is still in the Antigua Hospital as its a very scary place. He should be evacuated asap.
- Fiona Bronton, South Hampton ,UK, 30/07/2008 21:59
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Am I the only person who thinks that both people being shot in the back of the head is amazing coincidence? It has more than a hint of deliberate execution about it.
- I Biza, London, 29/07/2008 12:26
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