Natasha Melendez: Man jailed for murder of Lisburn mother of four

A man with a history of violent assaults was sentenced to 19 years in prison for the murder of a mother of four in Lisburn in 2020. Natasha Melendez, a 32-year-old from Venezuela, was attacked by John David Scott on March 22, 2020, and succumbed to her injuries ten days later. Scott, 36, pleaded guilty to the murder and three previous assaults on Ms. Melendez.

The victim’s mother expressed the deep loss felt by Ms. Melendez’s four young children and their family due to the tragedy. At the time of her death, her children ranged from 10 years old to just five months old. Details emerged in court about the tumultuous relationship between Ms. Melendez and Scott, highlighting the final assault that led to her tragic demise. Scott and Ms. Melendez shared a four-year relationship and had recently moved in together before the fatal incident.

In the wake of Ms. Melendez’s death, investigations revealed a pattern of physical violence inflicted by Scott on her. Despite Scott’s claims of unhappiness with her drug use, the prosecution emphasized how he relied on fear to perpetuate violence against Ms. Melendez. The judge commented on the extensive harm done to Ms. Melendez, uncovering injuries all over her body post-mortem. The court heard about the relentless attacks she endured, painting a harrowing picture of the abuse she suffered.

Ms. Melendez was described as vibrant and fearless by her family, who shared the immense pain and anguish caused by her untimely death. Her mother detailed the vibrant personality of her daughter and the enduring abuse she faced before the fatal incident. Emotions ran high as family members recounted the void left behind by Ms. Melendez’s passing. The court proceedings shed light on the gravity of the case, emphasizing the need for victims of abuse to come forward and seek help

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