THE families of two women murdered have spoken out in their memory at a rally in Derry opposing violence against women and girls.
Show jumper Katie Simpson (21) from Tynan in Co Armagh died in hospital after she was assaulted at her home in Lettershendony, outside Derry in August 2020.
Her death had wrongly been treated as suicide by the police before a murder investigation was launched.
Jonathan Creswell was accused of her murder, but took his life shortly after his trial began in April.
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Speaking at Tuesday night’s rally in Derry, Ms Simpson’s mother Noleen Mullan said she hoped the rally would help others.
“The more we talk about it the better and the more that people will hopefully see it,” she told Cool FM.
“It is difficult to know she’s not here with us, but you have to go on. You like to think (by attending) you’re saving or helping people. Katie would love to know she’s helping people.”
A special vigil will take place tomorrow (December 10th) in the Guildhall Square at 5.15pm in memory of women who have...
Posted by Derry City & Strabane District Council on Monday, December 9, 2024
The candlelit vigil was organised by Women’s Aid, with events also being held in Omagh, Enniskillen and Lurgan.
Spanish woman Montserrat Martorell (65) was killed in Derry in August, with her body found in the bedroom of a ground floor flat in Harvey Street after a fire.
Police said she had been subject to a “horrific and sustained attack”.
Ciaran Murray (29) from Gortfoyle Place in Derry has been charged with her murder.
Foyle Women’s Aid read out a speech at the Derry vigil on behalf of her daughter Gisela.
“I want to pay tribute to my mother, a woman full of strength and light,” she said.
“Although her departure was unfair and premature, her legacy lives on in me and who I am.
“My mother was a woman with a lovely personality. The truth is that she was a free, brave and resilient soul.
“A woman who always knew how to overcome problems and find new paths.”
She continued: “My mother’s love was unconditional. She was my guide, I always found shelter in her.
“Her departure has left an immense void.”
