LIFELINE Inishowen is urging people to come together as a community at a candlelight vigil to stand in solidarity with a young mother of two murdered at the weekend.
Amy Doherty (28) was found injured in a house in the Summer Meadows Mews area of Derry on Saturday morning, March 21.
She died a short time later in hospital.
A 30-year-old suspect was arrested on suspicion of the young woman’s murder. It is understood he was rescued from the River Foyle on Saturday morning following a major police and Fire Service operation. He remains in custody.
Lifeline Inishowen is calling on people to take part in a candlelight vigil on Friday, March 27, at 7pm at the centre. At the same time, a vigil will take place in Derry, on Guildhall steps.
“Please come along and help us stand up against domestic abuse,” a spokesperson for Lifeline Inishowen said.
Meanwhile, the parents of Ms Doherty, have paid tribute to their daughter. In statement read by Derry-based priest, Fr Joe Gormley, they have told of how their “hearts are crushed with disbelief, sadness and pain”.
“Amy is our beautiful only daughter, she is the best mother Rhea and Ronan could ask for,” they said.
“She loved her brothers Shane and Ryan.
“Our hearts are crushed with disbelief, sadness and pain.”
They said their daughter was a devoted mother to her children.
“Amy’s life revolved around her love and care of Rhea and Ronan,” they said.
“In her daily work she cared for the sick and the elderly.
“Her bubbly character and fin loving spirit lifted the hearts of all who met her.
“Please pray for us all at this time.”
Detectives from the Police Service of Northern Ireland’s Major Investigation Team launched a murder inquiry following the death of the young woman.
Detective Inspector Ferguson said: “Amy was found, badly injured, at around 10.20am on Saturday. She was taken to hospital by colleagues from the Ambulance Service but, sadly, passed away a short time later.
“At 28 years old, Amy was just a young woman. And my thoughts are, first and foremost, with her family and friends at this unimaginably distressing time.”
Detective Inspector Ferguson continued: “A 30-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of murder, and remains in custody at this time.
“Our enquiries are continuing, and the local community will continue to see a police presence in the Summer Meadows area over the coming days.
“I am appealing to anyone with information to contact us on 101, quoting reference 469 of 21032026.”
Alternatively information can be provided, with total anonymity, to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org
While funeral details for Ms Doherty have not yet been announced, with the family home private until so, Ms Doherty’s family have requested family flowers only, with donations, in lieu, to Foyle women’s Aid, 24 Pump St, Derry. BT48 6JG.