On-the-run killer Gary Anderson detained by Irish police in Co Donegal
Last updated 23rd Sep 2026
On-the-run killer Gary Anderson has been arrested by Irish police in Co Donegal.
Anderson, 29, had been unlawfully at large for more than a week after absconding from temporary release to attend his father’s funeral in Londonderry.
He was sentenced to 15 years in prison in 2023 for the murder of Karol Kelly in Derry.
Father-of-five Mr Kelly died in Grafton Street in the city in the early hours of March 4 2018 following an altercation during which he was stabbed several times.
Anderson and his brother, Sean Anderson, were found guilty of the killing.
On Wednesday, the Police Service of Northern Ireland confirmed that Gary Anderson had been detained in the Republic of Ireland.
He was arrested by An Garda Síochána (AGS) in a property in the Buncrana area in County Donegal shortly before 2pm.
Detective Inspector Gareth Lavery said the PSNI is now now working with the relevant authorities in order to return Anderson to custody.
“I want to thank everyone who assisted with our inquiries since our public appeal last Monday,” he said.
“Our officers conducted extensive inquiries during this investigation to locate Gary Anderson, and we thank everyone for their help and co-operation.
“I also wish to thank AGS colleagues, in particular, who arrested Gary Anderson today and for all of their help with this investigation over the last week.
“PSNI is now working with relevant authorities in order to return Gary Anderson to custody, and we will provide an update in due course.”