Bridget O’Donoghue, a mother of two-year-old murder victim Santina Cawley is left with questions for the 38-year-old woman who is starting a life sentence for murdering her infant daughter.
Santina Cawley’s mother has issued a plea asking for her baby’s killer to come forward.
Two-year-old Santina was found at an apartment in Cork City with serious injuries on July 5. She later died at Cork University Hospital.
Santina Cawley, the daughter of Bridget O’Donoghue, was found with severe injuries in her home in Cork city three years ago, and a 38-year-old woman was guilty of her murder and handed a life sentence.
Cawley was murdered at her residence at Elderwood Park, Boreenanmanna Road, Cork on July 5th, 2019. Harrington, from Ravensdale Road in Mahon but now living at Lakelands Crescent in Mahon, had denied the crime.
Michael Cawley and Bridgie O’Donoghue, Santina’s divorced parents, were present in court as the registrar certified the verdict.
“Just how can you hurt a baby like this?
“What was Santina thinking and feeling during her terrible death?”
Karen Harrington arrives at court on Anglesea Street Cork on Friday 13th May 2022. Picture: Larry Cummins
These awful questions were asked by Ms O’Donoghue in her victim impact statement as Karen Harrington was convicted of murder.
“I feel angry at the accused, Karen Harrington, who murdered my baby,” Ms O’Donoghue said.
Michael Cawley – Santina’s dad – is haunted by the sight of her under a blanket when he returned to his then girlfriend’s apartment on Boreenmanna Road.
Who Is Bridget O Donoghue From Cork? Santina Cawley Mother Questions Killer Karen Harrington
Bridget O’Donoghue is the mother of murdered two-year-old Santina Cawley who has spoken out about the enormous grief and suffering she has faced since her daughter was killed by Karen Harrington, who was sentenced to life in prison today.
Bridget recently stated that she is always asking herself how someone could be so harsh to her two-year-old daughter, who was a sweet and loving spirit.
She asked these terrible inquiries in her victim impact statement after Karen Harrington was found guilty of murder as per the source.
Santina’s father, Michael Cawley, revealed that the vision of his daughter under a cover when he arrived to his then girlfriend’s flat on Boreenmanna Road haunts him.
Cawley stated his precious daughter was cruelly killed in a witness statement provided by a community liaison officer. Through with a garda liaison officer, O’Donoghue has also presented a dramatic victim impact statement.
Bridget O Donoghue Lost Her Toddler Daughter
The mother of two-year-old murder victim Santina Cawley is left with questions for the 38-year-old woman who is starting a life sentence for murdering her infant daughter.
Bridget O’Donoghue said, “I continuously ask myself how someone could be so cruel to a two-year-old – a soft and gentle soul.
Santina was born prematurely on May 6th, 2017, according to O’Donoghue’s statement to police, but she was a warrior who was the family’s baby, loved and cherished by everybody.
She went on to say that when her daughter Santina died, she took a piece of herself with her, and Bridget felt enraged at her daughter’s killer, Karen Harrington.
In addition, the suffering mother praised the officers, ambulance, and fire departments, as well as the media. Eileen, her mom, was also praised for her help.
A 38-year old woman has been found guilty at the Central Criminal Court in #Cork of the murder of two-year old Santina Cawley at an apartment in the city three years ago.
Karen Harrington, with an address at Lakelands Crescent, Mahon, in Cork, had denied the charge. @rtenews pic.twitter.com/JhNCOmokp1
— Paschal Sheehy (@PaschalSheehy) May 16, 2022
Santina Cawley Murder Case Update
Mr Justice Michael MacGrath expressed his condolences to both parents as he jailed Harrington for life for murder.
He said, “The murder of Santina Cawley – a defenceless two-year-old child is truly shocking.
“I have no doubt Santina will continue to live long in the memory of those who knew and loved her. She will continue to be loved by her family and friends.
Judge Michael McGrath praised the jury’s dedication and freed them from further jury service for the rest of their lives. He also mentioned police’s efforts in the case, which he described as a tough topic to examine.
Detective Inspector Danny Coholan, Senior Investigating Officer, also made a statement thanking the Cork public for their help and commitment with the investigation team.
The jury heard testimony that Santina was injured in 53 different ways during the trial as per the source.
