Michaela McAreavey widower vows to fight on for justice despite death of witness

You are viewing content from Q Mid Antrim 107. Would you like to make this your preferred location?

By Rebecca Black, PA

The widower of Michaela McAreavey has vowed to fight on for justice despite reports of the death of a key witness in the case.

Mrs McAreavey, 27, was strangled in her hotel room in Mauritius on January 10 2011.

The Co Tyrone teacher, who had got married 10 days earlier, was attacked as she returned to her room alone on the Indian Ocean island and disturbed a burglary.

No-one has been convicted of her murder.

Raj Theekoy had testified to seeing two men accused of Mrs McAreavey’s murder leaving her suite.

The two former workers at the luxury resort – Sandip Moneea and Avinash Treebhoowoon – were acquitted after a high-profile trial on the holiday island in summer 2012.

There are reports that Mr Theekoy, 43, was found dead in Mauritius on Sunday.

John McAreavey said Mr Theekoy’s death is a tragedy for his family.

“Now is a time for their mourning and grief and nothing should intrude on that,” he said.

“When it comes to getting to the truth about Michaela’s murder, nothing has been straightforward in Mauritius and neither the Hartes or myself will be deterred from pursuing justice and truth. Not today, not tomorrow and not ever.

“We will be asking the authorities to assure us that no end will be spared in securing justice for Michaela.”

In June it was confirmed that the government of Mauritius had agreed to look again at the case of the murdered honeymooner.

Join the Thank Q Club

Sign up for the Thank Q Club and receive exclusive offers, fun competitions and amazing prizes - it's quick and easy to do!

Sign Up Log In

Listen on the go

Download the Q Radio app to keep listening, wherever you are! It's available on Apple and Android devices.

Download from the App Store Download from Google Play