Newry deaths: Man found dead was Scottish born Russell Steele
Man found hanged in suspected murder suicide identified
Last updated 9th Mar 2019
Police say the daughter of a Colombian woman found dead at a flat in Newry was strangled.
15-year-old Allison Marimon-Herrera, her mother Giselle Marimon-Herrera who was 37 and a man were discovered in Glin Ree Court on Thursday.
Detectives said there was a "strong possibility'' her mother was also throttled.
It is understood they died in a violent way and one line of inquiry is a double murder and suicide.
Detective Superintendent Jason Murphy said: "I can confirm that her 15-year-old daughter Allison was strangled.''
Police said a 38-year-old man, Giselle Marimon-Herrera's partner, who also lived at the address, died by hanging.
He was officially identified on Saturday as Russell Steele from Scotland.
The bodies, which may have been there for up to three days, were discovered after police were contacted by a concerned relative.
Detective Superintendent Jason Murphy said on Friday: "My thoughts today are very much with their families and friends who are trying to come to terms with their loss.
"Giselle is from Columbia and she arrived in Northern Ireland around four years ago.
"Allison her daughter was born in Spain and has lived in Northern Ireland since 2017. She attended Newry High School and my thoughts today are also with the teachers and pupils who knew her. They too are trying to come to terms with Allison’s death.
"I believe that Giselle and Allison were still alive in the early hours of Sunday morning but family members have not been able to contact them since.
"The exact circumstances of what happened in their home remains the subject of our investigation."
The PSNI are appealing to anyone who came into direct contact with either Giselle or Allison or communicated with them via text or social media since Friday to contact detectives in Newry.
Detective Murphy described incident as "an unspeakable tragedy".
He added: "We are currently supporting the families of those involved as well as Newry High school. I would ask that they are given the time and space to come to terms with these tragic events.
"While our investigation remains at an early stage, there is no evidence at this time that anyone else was involved.
"This is an unspeakable tragedy and anyone with information should contact detectives on 101."
In a statement Iestyn Brown, Principal of Newry High School said: "The entire Newry High School community is deeply shocked and saddened to learn of the passing of our Year 11 pupil Allison.
"Allison was a talented, kind, courteous and well-mannered pupil with a beautiful smile. Both staff and pupils are profoundly saddened by her death and she will be remembered with great affection by her fellow pupils and staff alike.
"Our hearts go out to Allison’s family circle; they are foremost in our thoughts and prayers at this sad time."
Sinn Féin Councillor Charlie Casey has said the community is in shock.
"The community in Newry is in shock after what happened.
"My thoughts and sympathies are with all of those involved in this incident and their families.
"Details are still emerging and a police investigation is underway and that should be allowed to proceed.
"I would encourage anyone with information on this incident to bring it forward to the PSNI."
In a tweet, SDLP MLA Justin McNulty said: "This community is in shock and a dark cloud hangs over Newry this afternoon.
"My thoughts and prayers are with the families of the deceased."
An emotional woman visited the cordon with a child who carried a bunch of flowers but they were not allowed into the sealed-off area.