The mother and sisters of the late Danielle McLaughlin have called on people to pray that the trial of the man accused of her murder will finally end.
Today would have been the 36th birthday of Danielle, an adventurous and fun-loving young woman from Buncrana who was brutally murdered and raped in Goa, India in March 2017. She was 28 years old and had travelled to India to become a yoga teacher.
The 4th of February was once a day of celebration and joy for Danielle’s mother, Andrea Brannigan, and Danielle’s younger sisters. But since her passing, they say it’s a day that they dread.
“It’s another birthday without you and instead of celebrating you we are worrying about each court date and what it might mean for you again,” they wrote in a tribute to Danielle today.
“On your 36th birthday we are worrying about another court date scheduled for today, knowing that final arguments may end today and having no idea what that will mean.”
The final arguments are taking place in Goa this week in the trial of Vikat Bhagat, a local man, who is charged with Danielle’s rape and murder, as well as violent robbery and destruction of evidence. He has pleaded not guilty to all charges.
A verdict is expected by February 17th. The trial has been beset with delays for almost eight years, giving Danielle’s family dwindling hope that they will get justice before the anniversary of her death. They recently had more anguishing news when they discovered that the judge overseeing the case for the past two years has been transferred to another court.
“For nearly 8 years we have been worrying about what we will learn with each new court date,” they said.
“Nearly 8 years ago you were stolen from us and now we are still fighting for you. We hope today that things may actually be nearing the end.”
Danielle’s mother says she cannot grieve until the trial is concluded. A GoFundMe fundraiser continues to seek support for Ms Brannigan and her daughter Jolene to travel to Goa when the trial eventually concludes. However, are still not certain of the date of the judge’s ruling.
They said: “We are so emotionally exhausted fighting for this to end so we can finally start grieving you and the life you should have been allowed to have. We really hope we can be there for Danielle in the court but the closer we get to the deadline and still not knowing if it will be upheld we are so scared to organise everything in case it falls through and another postponement or if it goes ahead and things become too expensive because it’s so last minute.
“All we can do is hope Danielle is looking out for us and everything will fall into place. Everything happens for a reason.
“Usually we would ask for small acts of kindness of this day in her memory as that was a part of the legacy we want to continue in her name but this year we would love you to remember Danielle and hope and pray that the trial can finally end this year.”
