Property where the Killamarsh tragedy took place 'due to be demolished' this year

Four people were murdered at 54 Chandos Crescent in September 2021

Author: Chris Davis-SmithPublished 7th Feb 2023
Last updated 7th Feb 2023

The grandmother of two children killed in the Killamarsh tragedy says she feels 'relieved' about plans to demolish the property they were murdered in.

It's after Angela Smith's pregnant daughter Terri Harris-her two children-John-Paul & Lacey-and Lacey's friend Connie-were violently attacked on Chandos Crescent back in 2021.

The man who killed them-32-year-old Damien Bendall-has since been given a whole life sentence in prison after he pleaded guilty to the murders late last year.

Now, Angela tells us she expects the property to come down later this year:

"The whole of Killamarsh was left in shock when this happened.

"It had a big impact on everyone there, as well as ourselves.

"It's going to be demolished in the next few months, so it'll be going for good, which will be a good thing.

"So many lives have been ruined. We're living the life sentence now.

"Terri was my only child. Lacey & John were my only grandchildren.

"I won't ever be called 'mum' or 'nan' again, and that's pretty hard.

"Life is like a rollercoaster now. One day, I can just about get through the day, and other times I'm in tears constantly.

"My daughter was the 80th woman to be killed in the UK in 2021. We can't keep losing that number of women every year. It's just heart breaking.

A spokesperson from North East Derbyshire District Council told us:

Following the tragic events 16 months ago when four people lost their lives at a house in Killamarsh, a decision has been taken regarding the future of the property.

North East Derbyshire District Council has been working closely with the families to seek their views on what should happen to the house on Chandos Crescent.

The property is one of a pair of semi-detached homes and following discussions with the families the Council has confirmed that both properties will be demolished.

The arrangements for undertaking the necessary works are underway and a date for the demolition will be confirmed in due course.

You can also read more about the campaign that Angela's set up recently in honour of her late daughter on the link below:

https://www.facebook.com/TerrisFightPage

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