The trial for the murder of Buncrana woman Danielle McLaughlin is nearing its conclusion in Goa, India, with final arguments scheduled for today.
A verdict is expected by February 17th. However, the trial has been plagued by delays, stretching on for nearly eight years and prolonging the heartache for Danielle’s family.
Tomorrow, 4th February, would have been Danielle’s 36th birthday. She was 28 when she was brutally murdered in Canacona, a popular tourist area of Goa, on March 14, 2017.
Vikat Bhagat, a local man, 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.
Danielle’s mum Andrea Brannigan had hoped to travel to India to hear the verdict by her daughter’s birthday.
A fundraiser continues to seek support for Ms Brannigan to travel to Goa when the trial eventually concludes.
The GoFundMe campaign will fund Danielle’s mother and sister Jolene’s trip to the sentencing in Goa so that they will finally get a chance to face the accused.