Irish woman found dead during honeymoon in Mauritius

[News_Editor]

Irish woman found dead during honeymoon in Mauritius

2011-01-12 01:04:29 GMT+7 (ICT)

PORT LOUIS, MAURITIUS (BNO NEWS) -- Mauritian investigators on Tuesday questioned the husband of the Irish woman found dead in her hotel room during her honeymoon over the weekend, the L'express newspaper reported.

Investigators from the Major Crimes Investigation Team (MCIT) also examined the records of surveillance cameras from the Legends Hotel. Michaela Harte, 27, was found dead in the bathtub of her hotel room on Saturday.

John McAreavey, 30, married Harte on December 30 and then arrived to Mauritius on January 8 and was supposed to leave on Sunday. He was interviewed by Mauritius police and other investigators.

Authorities said that McAreavey was not a suspect in the case and added that Harte was found with signs of strangulation on the neck. Michaela Harte is the daughter of acclaimed Gaelic football manager Mickey Harte. McAreavey is also a footballer.

According to the Superintendent of Police Yousoof Soopun, the couple arrived to the Indian Ocean resort from Ballymacilroy in Ireland and checked in room 1025 at the Legends Hotel.

The newlyweds were having a cup of tea outdoors after swimming in the hotel's pool. Michaela went back to the room to get biscuits for her tea. However, she failed to return and, after some 30 minutes, McAreavey went looking for her.

After entering the room, the footballer found his wife dead in the bathtub. He alerted hotel staff who attempted to resuscitate her but failed. A forensic team was sent to the scene and the area was cordoned off.

The autopsy report attributed the cause of death to asphyxiation caused by strangulation. No signs of forced entry were found, however, and police believe that the killer used an electronic key to enter the room.

Mauritius police suspects that an electronic key was forged and used by a third person. The analysis of the camera recordings would probably clarify the case as the investigation is ongoing.

-- © BNO News All rights reserved 2011-01-12