The sectarian murder was condemned by local MP Ken Maginnis. The Ulster Unionist had known the victim and described him as a "good Samaritan, the sort of chap who would go out of his way to help anyone". Mr Boyd was a worshipper at Killyman Parish Church and was described by Rev Maurice Harvey as an "industrious man who lived and worked for his family". A neighbour described him as "quiet and inoffensive, and a great family man".
When the IRA admitted responsibility for his murder, they described him as an Ulster Volunteer Force commander. The UVF rejected the claim and no evidence to support the IRA statement was ever presented. Mr Boyd's widow called it a "dirty slur on his good name".
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| Matthew Boyd |
Matthew Boyd was originally from the village of Pomeroy to the north of Dungannon and worked at the Killyman Creamery. He was survived by his wife and four children.
In 2018 a 49-year-old man was arrested in connection with his murder, but released without charge.
