A Co Antrim man has appeared in court accused of murdering of a retired postmaster and raping and attempting to murder his sister.
Arthur Murray (42), from Coole Road in Coalisland, Co Antrim, is charged with murdering his neighbour, retired postmaster Patrick McGrath, and with the attempted murder and rape of his sister, Philomena.
Mr Murray, an unemployed joiner, appeared in the dock at Dungannon Magistrates Court unshaven and wearing a light blue forensic overall. He did not speak as the charges were put to him.
A detective inspector told the court that the accused replied "no" when each charge was put to him at Antrim police station.
Mr McGrath (76), was suffocated in his bed after an intruder entered the home he shared with his sister at Killeen Crossroads near Coalisland on December 19th.
Ms Philomena McGrath (67), was raped, beaten and thrown down the stairs before being left for dead. She suffered serious head injuries and broken bones.
Detectives carried out a massive DNA screening of males in the vicinity in January and also called in a behavioural analyst to assist with the case.
A total of 600 men and teenagers came forward for voluntary DNA testing. Mr Murray, a single man, was arrested by detectives earlier this week. He was remanded in custody today to appear again by video link on March 30th.