All but one allegation against a man charged in relation to the murder of Adam Krzan who sustained serious injuries following an assault, have been withdrawn.
Aged 71, he was discovered at his home in Corrainey Park, Dungannon on February 27.
Emergency services attended however he passed away at the scene.
Four people were arrested in the days afterwards however all were released on bail pending further enquiries.
On 3 April searches were carried out in the Dungannon area during which a number of items including a vehicle were seized.
Following this, two men were arrested and later charged, appearing separately before Dungannon Magistrates Court.
Ryan Patrick Martin Kerr (33) from Derrylattinee Road, Dungannon is accused of murdering Mr Krzan and robbing him of money.
It is further alleged he was equipped for burglary by having a knife.
To date he has not applied for bail and is remanded in custody.
Meanwhile, Michael John Ennis (34) from Cloneen, Dungannon was charged with perverting the course of justice, assisting an offender and withholding information.
A detective constable previously confirmed both the charges could be connected.
She explained police received a report of an incident in the victim’s home and, “Met with a very disturbing scene with a large volume of blood.”
Mr Krzan was stabbed three times to the chest and twice to the neck.
When initially spoken to Kerr stated he knew Ennis, but he in turn denied this.
“It is our belief that information is false,” said the detective.
Ennis denied being in the area at the time which police say, “Was untrue and misleading. There is much CCTV and we believe he was there to convey Kerr from the scene. There was quite a lot of contact with Kerr prior to and after the incident.”
Initially Ennis denied any knowledge of Kerr but while in custody claimed he is known as RPK and any contact was for gay sex.
CCTV footage was found of Ennis’ car outside Kerr’s home after the murder, but when shown this he made no comment.
Objecting to bail the detective said, “This is a large and complex investigation with much still to be done. The status of all persons connected to this is being reviewed daily. We believe they are all known to Ennis. He has strong links outside the jurisdiction.””
She continued, “There are numerous items still to be recovered and we believe if released the defendant could interfere.”
Under cross-examination the detective confirmed Ennis would be considered vulnerable with significant mental and physical issues.
The defence suggested he could be released to reside with his parents in County Kildare, but the detective rejected this as bail conditions could not be appropriately monitored.
On that occasion refused bail.District Judge Francis Rafferty.
However, at the most recent sitting the court was informed there had been a significant change in the case.
A prosecuting lawyer explained the charges against Ennis had been reviewed and all are withdrawn with the exception of withholding information.
This changed the position in terms of bail which police were no longer opposing.
Judge Rafferty ordered Ennis to be released on £500 bail to reside at an address approved by police.
In respect of Kerr, the prosecution said investigations are continuing around seized cash and a car which is to be screened for blood.
Postmortem reports are also awaited along with other specialist forensic evidence.
Both men are to appear again – Kerr by video-link and Ennis in person – on 25 July.
