Danielle McLaughlin’s mother to arrive in India today for murder trial verdict
Andrea Brannigan has travelled from Dublin to Mumbai via Doha, and onto Goa, where her daughter was brutally raped, beaten and killed almost eight years ago
The mother of murdered Buncrana woman Danielle McLaughlin is set to arrive in India this morning, Tuesday, as the trial of her daughter’s alleged killer finally draws to a conclusion.
Andrea Brannigan has travelled from Dublin to Mumbai via Doha, and onto Goa, where her daughter was brutally raped, beaten and killed almost eight years ago.
Danielle was just 28 years old when her body was discovered in Canacona, a popular tourist area of Goa, on the morning of March 14, 2017.
Andrea plans to visit the place where her daughter died in such horrific circumstances. She says the family needs closure and a chance to finally grieve their loss.
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.
A verdict in the long-running court case, which has been beset by delays and legal challenges, is expected to be delivered on Thursday, February 13.
Mum Andrea has fought relentlessly for justice since Danielle’s shocking death and the family is desperately hoping for a guilty verdict over the coming days.
Andrea, who has been left deeply frustrated by endless delays to the trial, had always planned to travel to India for the verdict and this morning, Tuesday, will mark her first time to arrive in the country. Meanwhile, an online GoFundMe fundraiser continues to seek support for Ms Brannigan’s travel expenses.