Michaela found dead in bath with water running
Murdered newlywed Michaela McAreavey was found strangled in a bath with the water still running, it was revealed today.
Skin tissues were also discovered underneath the young teacher’s fingernails after she fought for her life when she disturbed intruders who had broken into her hotel room, according to new reports from Mauritius.
Fresh details emerged as three men, all employees at the luxury Legends Hotel where she was staying, appeared in court charged in connection with her death, two of them accused of murder.
Chief police medical officer Dr Sudesh Kumar Gungadin discovered several bruises on Mrs McAreavey’s head.
Investigating officers believe that, once the 27-year-old was wrestled to the ground, she was dragged into the bath tub and strangled before the water was turned on.
Police believe she came face to face with at least one attacker who used a dummy swipe card to gain access to the room just two minutes before she arrived to fetch some biscuits while she had tea with her new husband, John McAreavey, in the hotel restaurant.
Mr McAreavey went to look for his wife after she had been gone for 10 minutes and found the hotel room door locked.
He knocked but did not receive any response so he went to reception and a hotel employee accompanied him back to Room 1025 where they used a master card to open the door.
According to reports on the island today, the hotel staff member then left the scene while Mr McAreavey, an accountant, went inside and discovered the body of his wife of just 12 days.
He immediately alerted reception and the hotel doctor was called in.
Police investigating the murder have examined CCTV surveillance tapes as part of their case which will be presented at a later hearing when they hope to formally charge the three men.
Michaela's brother, Mark Harte, as well as her husband's brother and parents have arrived in Mauritius to help with arrangements to take her body back home and to the funeral at St Malachy's Church, close to the family home outside Ballygawley, Co Tyrone, where she married on December 30.
It is understood the families are hoping to have her body home by this weekend.
Mrs McAreavey, an Irish language teacher at St Patrick’s Academy in Dungannon, and her husband were on the second stage of their honeymoon after flying to Dubai.
They arrived last Saturday and planned to return home this Sunday.
A senior official from the Irish department of Foreign Affairs has also arrived in Mauritius, and the Irish Ambassador to South Africa, Brendan McMahon, will travel there today.
Even though three suspects appeared at Mapou District Court today, it is not known how long the police investigation will last or when they will stand trial.
Skin tissue discovered under Mrs McAreavey’s fingernails has been sent for forensic examination and a report is not due until Friday.
Tourism officials on the Indian Ocean island stunned by the murder have moved swiftly to help the relatives of both families in a bid to limit the damage to the industry.
Hundreds of newly married couples go there and senior officials fear the incident could have a disastrous impact on future hotel bookings.
The general manager of Legends, Bryce Lunot, said: “It is the first time that we have experienced such a tragic situation and we are doing our utmost to assist everyone involved.
“I am touched by the staff who have expressed their heartfelt grief towards the families and are mourning and ensuring the families have space in this moment of profound grief.”
A religious service has been organised by one of the island’s leading churchmen, Archbishop Maurice Piat.
