‘We support man accused of murdering our Natalia’
THE family of Natalia Karaczyn have said they support her husband – who is alleged to have murdered her.
Rafal Karaczyn, 32, was charged yesterday with the murder of the mother of three, whose body was found strangled and dumped in ditch earlier this week.
Mr Karaczyn, of Crozon Park, Sligo town, was remanded in custody to appear today at Harristown District Court. He is accused of killing his 30-year-old wife at their home on Sunday.
Visibly upset at court hearing
Dressed in a red hoodie, Mr Karaczyn sat with his head in his hands and was visibly upset throughout the hearing at Sligo District Court yesterday.
Barrister Keith O’Grady, representing Mr Karaczyn, told Judge Kevin Kilrane that members of the deceased’s family were in court and wanted it made known they were there to support Mr Karaczyn and also wanted him placed on suicide watch, according to RTÉ.
The accused made no reply when the charge was put to him at 7.43pm on Wednesday night, the court heard, having been arrested for the purpose of charge at 6.58pm at Ballymote Garda Station in Co. Sligo.
It was agreed in court that he should be put on suicide watch. Legal aid was granted to the accused.
The body of Ms Karaczyn was recovered near Lough Gill, Co. Sligo, shortly after 10am on Tuesday following a large-scale search effort by local gardaí. She had been strangled to death.
The accused is a member of the Polish community living in Ireland, as was his late wife.
Ms Karaczyn had been missing for more than 48 hours, after returning to her home in Crozon Park on Sunday morning following a night out with friends.
Her funeral is taking place today at 11.30am at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Sligo.
Her remains will be cremated afterwards at Lakelands Crematorium in Cavan.
The Mass will be live-streamed from the cathedral’s webcam. The Diocese of Elphin has asked the media to provide privacy and space to the family.
Bishop of Elphin Kevin Doran said: ‘There is a very real sadness in Sligo at the untimely death of Natalia Karaczyn.
‘On behalf of our diocesan community, I wish to extend our sympathies and the promise of our prayers to Natalia’s family and friends, both here in Sligo and at home in Poland.’