A serial abuser man who repeatedly assault his partner has been jailed for a minimum of 19 years for murdering the mother-of-four in Lisburn in 2020.
John Scott appeared before court today, June, for the murder of Natasha Melendez – who called Craigavon her home for several years – in Lisburn in 2020.
The 36-year-old was given a life sentence last June, after pleading guilty to murder and three previous assaults on Ms Melendez, including grievous bodily harm with intent.
Today, Scott, appearing before Belfast Crown Court, was told he will serve a minimum of 19 years in prison.
Detective Chief Inspector Kerrie Foreman said: “Natasha Melendez was 32 years old when she was murdered by John Scott, with whom she was in a relationship.
“Natasha, who was originally from Venezuela, was subjected to a serious assault in her home in Lisburn on 22 March in 2020. She was taken to hospital but, sadly, died from her injuries some days later.
“The results of a post mortem examination confirmed that Natasha died from trauma to her head and neck.”
Natasha’s killer, John Scott, will spend a minimum of 19 years behind bars
Detective Chief Inspector Foreman continued: “This was a vicious attack by the defendant. It took the life of a young woman, leaving four young children without their mother.
“So many people, not least Natasha’s loving mother, have suffered unimaginably as a result of Scott’s brutality. Theirs is a torment deepened by the realisation that this was not a one-off assault. Last June, Scott admitted to three previous assaults on Ms Melendez.
“Working with the Public Prosecution Service, the defendant has now been held accountable, and will no doubt have time to reflect upon his actions as he spends his next years in prison. At the same time, I’m mindful that a loving family’s heartache continues, and my thoughts go out to them.
Detective Chief Inspector Foreman added: “This has been a tragic case of domestic homicide.
“Sadly, we know that domestic abuse can take many forms, including emotional and physical abuse, and we know that it can affect anyone.
“In this case, an appalling and ultimate act of violence has taken a young woman’s life.
“I am keen to encourage any victim of abuse, whatever your circumstances, to please come forward. We will listen to you and treat you with the utmost sensitivity.
“Please contact us on 101, report online at www.psni.police.uk/report, or in an emergency call 999.”
For further information and details of organisations who can help, visit the Police Service’s website at www.psni.police.uk/crime/domestic-abuse
Maria De Los Angeles Mejias, Natasha’s mother, speaking afterwards, said: “Never in my worst nightmares did I think my daughter, Natasha, would become a victim of such a heinous crime, enduring not only the ultimate act of violence but also the continued abuse she faced.
“Natasha was a vibrant woman, full of life, cheerful, and talkative. You could discuss anything with her, from deep topics to trivial matters. The word that best defines her is ‘fearless’. She was also a mother of four children, the oldest being 10 years old and the youngest just five months old when she was taken from us. Her children will never know who she truly was.
“The suffering he has caused my family, including my son Andres, who was deeply affected by his sister’s loss, is impossible to put into words. My parents, siblings, nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, and Natasha’s children all feel the unbearable void she left behind.
“The past five years have been a long and gruelling wait for justice – five years filled with fear, anguish, and uncertainty as to whether the system would fail us, whether he would be released, whether his clear attempts to evade accountability and delay the justice process would succeed.
“You took a life, a life that meant the world to me, to her children, to her family, and to her friends.”
