By SANCHESKA BROWN

Tribune Staff Reporter

sbrown@tribunemedia.net

POLICE are questioning five people in connection with the murder of businessman, Kurt McCartney, The Tribune understands.

According to sources close to the case, the three men and two women were picked up by police between Friday night and Saturday afternoon.

Sources also say the five persons now being questioned are none of the eight originally arrested hours after Kurt’s death.

Many feared the case had gone cold when the original eight were taken into custody, then released.

Despite the new leads, police are still asking anyone with information to come forward, no matter how small the tip might be.

Kurt, younger brother of DNA Leader Branville McCartney, was shot in the head, in Gambier Village three weeks ago.

Shortly after his death police arrested eight people, six women and two men. A few days later they were released.

According to family members, Kurt had received a phone call earlier that night from a young woman who had allegedly threatened to kill him. He was said to have informed a close friend that he was going to “deal” with the matter and left to visit the girl in Gambier.

When he arrived at the home, it is believed he was assaulted by a man and shot in the head.

Kurt is the second son of Mr and Mrs William McCartney. His father owns the chain of Wilmac Pharmacies. Kurt managed the pharmacy on Thompson Boulevard. He is survived by his parents, his brother, Branville, and two sisters.

The family has offered a $50,000 reward for anyone with information that would lead to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for his death.