Body of Honeymooner Killed in Mauritius Arrives Home to Northern Ireland
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}The body of the 27-year-old woman murdered on her honeymoon in Mauritius arrived home in Northern Ireland on Friday.
Michaela McAreavey's new husband John McAreavey found her dead in their hotel room on the Indian Ocean island Monday. According to police, the newlywed was strangled over a purse containing a small amount of cash.
The teacher's coffin was met by two of her brothers, Michael and Matthew Harte and close family friend Eoin Conroy at George Best Belfast City Airport.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Her funeral was expected to be held Monday at St. Malachy's Church, Ballymacilroy, Northern Ireland -- the same church where she was married less than two weeks ago.
Detectives on Mauritius believe she interrupted men searching for a purse in her room at the four-star Legends Hotel in the fishing village of Grand Gaube, northeastern Mauritius
The price over which she lost her life emerged after police said one of the three hotel workers charged in connection with the murder had confessed.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}It is understood that room attendant Avinash Treebhoowoon, 29, admitted the crime to officers. The confession came after one of his co-accused and fellow room attendant Raj Theekoy, 33, made a statement implicating him and the third accused, floor supervisor Sandip Moneea, 41.
Treebhoowoon and Moneea, who are alleged to have carried out the killing, face murder charges.
Police sources believe they returned to rob the room after spotting the purse while cleaning the day before.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Theekoy, who is charged with conspiracy, is alleged to have passed along the corridor outside the room while the struggle was taking place but, despite hearing screams, did nothing to stop it.
McAreavey's death has stunned Ireland -- the former beauty queen was the daughter of Tyrone Gaelic football boss Mickey Harte, one of Ireland's best-known sporting figures.
John McAreavey, 30, described his late wife as his best friend who was the "rock" of his life.
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