Hundreds have turned out at vigils for murdered mum-of-two Karen Cummings, as communities in Banbridge and Newry share a “sense of shock” at her death.
The 40-year-old was found fatally injured at her home in the Laurel Heights area of Banbridge, Co Down last Saturday evening.
Police have said she suffered a head injury, and two men have since appeared before court charged with her murder.
On Thursday, crowds gathered at two vigils to remember Ms Cummings in Banbridge, and in Newry, where she worked as a children’s nurse at the town’s Daisy Hill Hospital.
The Banbridge vigil was held in Solitude Park, while the gathering in Newry took place at Marcus Square beside the town’s cathedral.
The Solitude Park vigil was supported by the Women’s Aid Armagh and Down branch, and also remembered the 24 women in Northern Ireland who have been murdered since 2020.
Noel McNally, father of Natalie McNally who was pregnant when she was murdered in Lurgan, Co Armagh in December 2022 was among those who addressed the gathering.
Speaking to The Irish News, Banbridge Alliance councillor Joy Ferguson said: “These events have been organised to remember a much-loved mother, daughter, friend and colleague, but also to express the deep sense of shock, loss and sadness felt by the community.
“Many people want to show their support for Karen’s loved ones at this most difficult time, both in the town where she lived, and where she worked.”
Sinn Féin Banbridge councillor Kevin Savage said: “People in Banbridge are still trying to process what’s happened, but the town will rally around Karen’s family and offer all the support we can.”
In a social media post, Newry SDLP councillor Doire Finn said that through her work at Daisy Hill Hospital, Ms Cummings “dedicated her life to the care of others”.
“As a paediatric nurse, Karen was admired, respected, and held in the highest esteem by colleagues and patients alike,” she added.
On Wednesday, Glenn Robert King (32) from Lurgan but of no fixed abode, and 42-year-old Kevin Paul McGuigan, of Annacloy Park, Hillsborough, appeared via video link before Newry Magistrates Court, charged with Ms Cummings’ murder.
McGuigan is also charged with possession of a firearm, namely a double-barrelled shotgun, and ammunition with intent to endanger life. He is facing a third count of handling stolen goods, namely a double-barrelled shotgun.
Both were remanded in custody to appear before the court again on January 9.
Meanwhile, the north’s attorney general has issued a warning around social media commentary in relation to active criminal proceedings.
Dame Brenda King said the murder of Ms Cummings has “understandably attracted much commentary”, but warned of legal consequences for people posting online about the case.
“The tragedy and emotive nature of such cases cannot be underestimated,” she said in a statement on Thursday.
“However, a member of the public may well be in contempt of court as a result of publication or commentary on social media in relation to active criminal proceedings.
“As two persons have been arrested and charged in respect of this matter these proceedings are active for the purposes of the Contempt of Court Act 1981.”
She said social media posts “have the potential to impact jurors who have to decide whether someone is guilty or not of an offence based on evidence properly before them”.
“A person can be found in contempt of court if something they publish creates a substantial risk that justice in the criminal proceedings would be seriously impeded or prejudiced, regardless of their intent to do so,” the attorney general said.
