Grieving mother seeks justice for daughter killed by ex
The mother of 15-year-old Holly Newton, who her ex-boyfriend murdered, shared her pain during the court trial. Holly was brutally attacked by Logan MacPhail, who followed her through the center of Hexham, England, in January 2023.
2:44 PM EDT, November 1, 2024
According to the "Daily Mail," during the trial at Newcastle Crown Court, Holly's mother, Micala Trussler, read an emotional statement. "The last time I saw my daughter was at home that morning, I never saw her with her eyes open again, I never heard any last words," she said.
Once in hospital, I was then unable to even touch my daughter, hug her, kiss her, or hold her hand. My daughter was a crime scene, she was evidence," said Micala Trussler.
Currently, 17-year-old MacPhail has been found guilty of Holly's murder and of wounding a boy who tried to stop the attack. Initially, he claimed he did not plan the attack and intended to use the knife to take his own life, but the jury rejected his explanations.
The teenager could not bear the breakup. "He became obsessed"
Ms. Trussler described how her daughter's relationship with MacPhail changed when Holly decided to end it. "I firmly believe that Logan thought if he couldn’t have Holly then no one could, he became obsessed with her," she stated. She emphasized that individuals under the age of 16 are not formally recognized as victims of domestic violence and expressed hope for a change in the law in this area.
Holly's mother is currently running a fundraiser to purchase rescue kits that can save the lives of those at risk of bleeding out. She also aims to educate young people about recognizing toxic relationships.
Soon, the judge will announce the sentence in MacPhail's case, determining the minimum period he must spend in prison before he can apply for parole. This sentence will be significant for the defendant's future, as it will determine when he can seek the possibility of early release from the correctional facility.
