A young woman who was shot dead in her home in the middle of the night has been remembered by her relatives as a much-loved member of the family.
Aaliyah Phillips Wilson, 23, was fatally injured after opening the front door of her home in Palmerston North, near Wellington in New Zealand, shortly after midnight last Thursday.
Mrs Wilson, seriously injured, was found clinging to life but died at her home shortly afterwards.
Police have launched a homicide investigation and arrested a 27-year-old man on Monday.
He was charged with murder and appeared in Palmerston North Court on Tuesday as Ms Wilson’s loved ones gathered to remember her.
Taepa Martin described her niece as a “carefree girl” who was “too young” to die.
“It’s been tough, trying to keep everyone’s spirits up and get rid of the anger, she was too young, poor girl,” she said. he told the New Zealand Herald.
‘We had her resting at my house, so the morning after the funeral was very quiet. We’re still processing everything and there’s a lot to process.
Aaliyah Phillips Wilson, 23, was allegedly shot around midnight on July 18 after opening the front door of her Palmerston North, New Zealand home.
“She was a very calm and carefree girl.”
Mr Martin added that Ms Wilson’s parents were “exhausted” and her younger brother and half-siblings were devastated.
Detective Inspector Craig Sheridan, Head of Central District Crime He hoped the arrest of the alleged perpetrator would “bring some sense of comfort to Ms. Wilson’s family and the community at large.”
Ms Wilson’s friends and family wrote their final goodbyes on a white coffin painted with red roses at her funeral on Tuesday.
A man has been arrested and charged with murder in connection with the death of Ms Wilson (pictured)
One of Ms. Wilson’s cousins has since launched a Fundraising in the days to ease the burden of his shattered family.
We have all lost a great friend and cousin, but most importantly, a sister and daughter of her parents and younger brother.
‘This page was created to help raise funds for Aaliyah’s family who are deeply affected at this time.’
1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732)