Lisburn murder victim Natasha Melendez ‘funny, caring and fiercely loyal’

Friends of a Venezuelan woman who died following a serious assault in Lisburn last month have paid tribute the “funny, caring and fiercely loyal” 32-year-old.
By Mark Rainey
Published 3rd Apr 2020, 12:48 BST
Updated 3rd Apr 2020, 21:12 BST
Natasha Melendez (Montes)Natasha Melendez (Montes)
Natasha Melendez (Montes)

Natasha Melendez – who was also known as Natasha Montes – died 11 days after being assaulted in a property at Finch Gardens on March 22.

On Thursday, police said: “A 30-year-old man and a 23-year-old woman who were arrested in connection with her death have been released pending further investigation.”

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Paying tribute to her friend in a Facebook message, Jennifer Lavery from Belfast said she was “shocked and saddened”. to hear the news of Natasha’s death.

“As a person she was so warm and caring I just loved spending time with her in her home, her vibe was infectious.

“I will be forever grateful to have known you and shared so many memories. I will forever cherish the gift you gave me after the birth of Noah. Rest in peace Natasha, this planet didn’t deserve you,” she said.

Ina Dayle Melendez said: “Thank you for this beautiful post our angel Natasha Alejandra Montes is a very special soul. We’ll love her and miss her forever.

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“I’ve found lots of comfort in reading your words and all the comments of love and support. It’s beautiful to see how many people love her and how many lives she was able to touch while she was here.”

Also on Facebook, a Womb Blessing Across Ireland group spokesperson paid their own tribute to a valued member.

The message said: “It is with a very heavy heart that we announce the passing of our dear Moon Mother sister Natasha Alejandra Montes.

“A young mother of four, Natasha was my personal friend for over four years. She was funny, caring, fiercely loyal, warm, incredibly witty and clever and always had a smile ready for you.

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“I am honoured and grateful to have met her, to have been trusted by her and to have spent many a happy times with her, her children and closest family.”

It is understood Ms Melendez moved to the Lisburn area from Craigavon in 2014.

A PSNI spokeswoman said: “I would appeal to anyone who saw or heard anything suspicious in the Finch Gardens area of Lisburn on March 22 to contact police on 101.”