A man has been charged with the murder of 27-year-old Sarah Montgomery, a pregnant mother-of-two who was found dead at a home in Donaghadee, County Down, Northern Ireland, on Saturday.
Emergency services were called to the house just after 2:15pm on 29 June, where paramedics attempted to resuscitate Ms Montgomery, but she was tragically pronounced dead at the scene.
The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) confirmed that a 28-year-old man has now been formally charged with both murder and child destruction. He is due to appear in court shortly.
Another individual, a 42-year-old woman, was also arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender but has since been released unconditionally.
Tributes have poured in from the local community in the wake of the incident, with flowers, candles, and heartfelt messages left outside Ms Montgomery’s home. One message read simply: “A beautiful, kind and wonderful mother — you will never be forgotten.”
The victim was well known and respected within the local area. Donaghadee Lifeboat RNLI paid tribute to her in a public post, describing her as “a highly regarded member of the fundraising branch.” The charity also noted Sarah’s deep family ties to the organisation, with her mother Linda serving as a volunteer fundraiser.
“We extend our deepest sympathies to Sarah’s children, siblings, grandparents, and wider family and friends,” the statement read. “Our thoughts are with you at this difficult time.”
The incident has sparked renewed calls for urgent action on violence against women in Northern Ireland. First Minister Michelle O’Neill spoke emotionally about Ms Montgomery’s death during a sitting of the Northern Ireland Assembly on Monday, saying: “Another young mother, her life being taken. It is a horrific reminder of the epidemic of violence that women and girls continue to face.”
Ms O’Neill added that the case should serve as a “wake-up call for society,” calling for more robust protections and preventive measures to address gender-based violence.
Police have urged anyone with information relating to the investigation to come forward and assist with enquiries. A spokesperson for PSNI said detectives are continuing to work “around the clock” to piece together the circumstances of Sarah Montgomery’s death and ensure justice is served.
The case has sent shockwaves through Donaghadee and beyond, as a community mourns the loss of a young woman described as caring, warm, and deeply devoted to her children.
