Northern Ireland

Charlotte Murray's family say pain at her loss has not eased

Murder victim Charlotte Murray's mother Mary and twin sister Denise.
Murder victim Charlotte Murray's mother Mary and twin sister Denise. Murder victim Charlotte Murray's mother Mary and twin sister Denise.

THE family of Charlotte Murray have said the conviction of her killer this week has not eased their pain.

Ms Murray's identical twin Denise also said they had feared her killer Johnny Miller had been controlling their sister in the months prior to her death.

Originally from Omagh, Ms Murray was last seen seven years ago. Her body has never been found.

Miller was found guilty on Tuesday of murdering the 34-year-old, between October 31 and November 2 2012.

Speaking to the Belfast Telegraph Denise Murray said: "The verdict was good, of course, but it's not enough."

"The relief that he'd been found guilty was what we'd been hoping for, but it was short-lived because as soon as we got home reality hit.

"The facts are still the same. She's still gone. We still don’t have her body home and we still haven’t had the chance to say goodbye.

"Charlotte deserves a proper, decent burial and her family deserve the chance to mourn her."

Charlotte's mother Mary (65) who attended the four week trial every say said it was difficult listening to the harrowing evidence.

"Every day you went in you just didn't know what would be next, but I had to be there for Charlotte", she said.

Miller (48) had denied murdering Ms Murray and claimed he did not believe she was dead. He is due to be sentenced next month.

Earlier this week a 47-year-old man was arrested in Moy, Co Tyrone, on suspicion of assisting offenders, withholding information and perverting the course of justice in relation to the murder. He was released on police bail.