Tributes as Irish woman shot dead in suspected murder-suicide in New York

Denise Morgan. Picture: The Cottage Bar Restaurant/Facebook

Tributes have been paid to an Irish woman who was shot dead in an apparent murder-suicide in New York.

The body of 39-year-old Denise Morgan from Co Louth, was discovered at an apartment in Queens in the early hours of Saturday morning.

The New York Police Department (NYPD) said on Saturday October 21 at 2.44am, officers responded to an emergency call reporting shots fired in the Glendale area.

On arriving at the residence, police found a man and woman with gunshot wounds to their heads in the living room.

Medical specialists attended the scene and pronounced the 39-year-old woman and 33-year-old man dead at the scene.

The NYPD said a firearm was recovered “in the vicinity of the deceased male”.

Investigations into the incident are ongoing.

Tributes have already been paid to the Louth woman on Facebook.

The Irish-American Cottage Bar Restaurant in New York, where Ms Morgan worked, said her sudden loss had left them "in shock and sorrow."

"It is incredibly difficult to comprehend the void left by her sudden departure. Her warmth, kindness, and vibrant spirit will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her. 

Our heartfelt condolences are for her family as you mourn this profound loss. We will always appreciate the person she was," the post said.

Commenting on the post, Ms Morgan's sister Lisa said: "Thank you so much for your kind words about our beautiful sister ❤️ we appreciate them so much and it eases the pain a little to know how much she was loved."

In a separate post she said: "This just can’t be real. We love you forever and always baby sister until we meet again, our lives will never be the same again."

She has also been remembered by the people of Tullyallen, near Drogheda - where she was from.

Prayers for her family were said at mass at the Church of the Assumption in Tullyallen over the weekend.

The Department of Foreign Affairs is aware of the case and providing consular assistance.

"The Department does not comment on the detail of individual cases," a spokesperson said.