Man Charged with Murder and Child Destruction After Pregnant Mum Found Dead in Donaghadee
A 28-year-old man has been charged with murder and child destruction following the death of Sarah Montgomery, a 27-year-old pregnant mother-of-two who was found dead at a house in Donaghadee, County Down.
Emergency services were called to the address on Elmfield Walk at around 2:15pm on Saturday (June 28). Despite efforts by paramedics, Sarah was pronounced dead at the scene.
The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) confirmed that the man arrested over the weekend has now been formally charged with murder and child destruction. He is due to appear before Newtownards Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday.
Second Arrest Made
A 42-year-old woman was also arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender, but has since been released unconditionally, police said.
Tributes to ‘Wonderful and Kind’ Sarah
Tributes have flooded in for Sarah Montgomery, who was expecting her third child. Described by friends and family as a “beautiful, kind, and wonderful mother”, her death has rocked the Donaghadee community.
Floral tributes, candles, and teddy bears have been placed outside her home, where police continue to maintain a presence as part of the ongoing investigation.
The Donaghadee RNLI charity, where Sarah was a valued member of the fundraising team, paid tribute in a public statement:
“Sarah was a highly regarded member of our branch. Our thoughts are with her children, her siblings, grandparents, and wider family and friends. Her mother Linda is one of our volunteer fundraisers.”
Political Response: ‘An Epidemic of Violence’
Speaking at the Northern Ireland Assembly today, First Minister Michelle O’Neill responded to the case, calling it another grim reminder of the “epidemic of violence against women and girls.”
“Another young mother, her life being taken. This must stop.”
Information Appeal
Anyone with information is asked to contact PSNI on 101 quoting reference number from Saturday 29 June, or anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
