The quiet residential streets of Mulberry Park in Dunmurry, west Belfast, were thrown into turmoil on the evening of August 21, 2025, after a violent incident left a man dead and a community reeling. Shane Lowry, a man in his 30s, was fatally stabbed, sparking a murder investigation that has since led to the arrest and charging of his brother, Martin Lowry. The aftermath has left neighbors, friends, and family grappling with shock and sorrow, as the details of the tragedy continue to emerge in the days following the event.
According to multiple reports, including coverage by BBC and Belfast Live, police and emergency services were called to Mulberry Park at around 8:15 p.m. on August 21. Officers from the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) and colleagues from the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service responded quickly, but despite their efforts, Shane Lowry was pronounced dead at the scene. The incident occurred in a typically peaceful area, where, as some witnesses noted, local children had been playing in the street just moments before the violence unfolded.
The following day, police established a large cordon around Mulberry Park and several surrounding streets, maintaining a visible presence as forensic teams combed the area for evidence. The shock of the incident was compounded by its proximity to another recent event—a fire at a block of flats in the estate—which left the community feeling unsettled and anxious.
On Saturday morning, August 23, Martin Lowry, 32, of no fixed abode, appeared before Lisburn Magistrates' Court charged with the murder of his brother and possession of a bladed article, specifically a knife. During the brief court hearing, as reported by The Sun and Irish News, Martin Lowry, dressed in a grey tracksuit, spoke only to confirm his name and date of birth. The judge, District Judge Eamonn King, asked if there was a connection between the accused and the victim, and the court heard that they were indeed brothers. Detective Constable Walker told the court she could connect Martin Lowry to the charges, but no further background facts were opened in court at that time.
With no application for bail from the defense, Judge King remanded Martin Lowry into custody. He is scheduled to appear again before Lisburn Magistrates' Court, via video link, on September 15, 2025. As he was led from the dock, friends and family called out to him, “stay strong – we love you,” a poignant moment that underscored the personal and familial devastation wrought by the tragedy.
In the wake of the incident, the local community has been gripped by grief and disbelief. Sinn Fein MLA Danny Baker expressed the profound sense of loss in Dunmurry, stating, “This is absolutely tragic, and I want to extend my thoughts and condolences to the deceased man's family and friends. There is a great deal of shock and sadness in our community this morning at this news.” Baker urged residents to refrain from speculation and to allow police the necessary time and space to conduct their investigation, a sentiment echoed by other local leaders.
SDLP West Belfast councillor Paul Doherty also offered his condolences, saying, “My thoughts are with the loved ones of the deceased and everyone who has been affected by this incident.” The pain was felt far beyond the immediate family, as the death notice for Shane Lowry, posted online the night after the incident, described him as the “beloved son of Breda and Marty.” The notice added, “He will be sadly missed by all his family and friends. Funeral arrangements to follow. Deeply regretted by his entire family circle.”
Police have remained steadfast in their appeal for information. Detective Chief Inspector Tom Phillips explained, “We received a report at around 8.15pm that a man aged in his 30s had been stabbed in the Mulberry Park area of Dunmurry. Officers attended, along with colleagues from the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service. Sadly, he was pronounced dead. A man in his 30s has been arrested on suspicion of murder and is currently in police custody. At this time, we are not seeking anyone else in connection with this investigation. We would appeal to anyone with any information in relation to the incident, to contact us on 101 quoting reference number 1633 21/08/25.”
The PSNI’s confirmation that they are not seeking any other suspects has done little to ease the community’s distress, but it has at least provided some clarity as to the direction of the investigation. The focus now turns to the upcoming court proceedings, where more details may emerge regarding the circumstances leading up to the fatal altercation between the two brothers.
While the specifics of what transpired that evening remain closely guarded by investigators, the emotional impact has been immediate and far-reaching. The presence of local children on the street at the time of the incident has been particularly troubling for residents, many of whom worry about the lasting effects such violence might have on young witnesses and the broader sense of safety in the area.
As the days pass, the large police cordon that once enveloped Mulberry Park has begun to recede, but the sense of loss lingers. Community leaders continue to call for unity and support for the bereaved, emphasizing the need for compassion and for the justice process to run its course without interference or rumor-mongering.
The case has also highlighted the challenges faced by families and communities in the aftermath of violent crime, especially when those involved are closely related. The tragedy of one brother standing accused of murdering another is a stark reminder of the complexities and heartbreak that can arise from domestic disputes gone terribly wrong.
For now, all eyes remain on the legal proceedings set to resume in September. The hope among many in Dunmurry and beyond is that justice will be served, and that the community can begin the slow process of healing after such a devastating loss. As Shane Lowry’s family prepares for his funeral, the entire neighborhood mourns alongside them—an ordinary street now marked by extraordinary sorrow.
