On Monday nite, November 26th, Emma Agnew's body was found after being missing for 11 days. She had been suffocated to death and abandoned in Spencer Park, just outside her hometown of Christchurch, New Zealand.
Local police quickly made an arrest of Liam James Reid, age 35, formerly known as Julian Heath Edgecombe before changing his name within the last five years. There was much evidence leading to Reid's arrest during the search. However the police where unable to make the arrest until Emma's body was found.
Emma, at age 20, was a leader in the Deaf community. She comes from a strong Deaf family (both parents and three brothers are all Deaf), and was highly involved with the Deaf Society of Canterbury and the Deaf Sports Federation. Her sign name/nickname means "smile", and she was known for her laughter and warm welcoming energy. Emma, though you are not with us physically anymore, your spirit lives forever. You have impacted so many!
Over one-third of the Deaf community of the entire country of New Zealand has flown into Christchurch to show their support. A memorial service will be held on Monday afternoon at 2:30pm. Butterflies will be released to pay respects. Most species of butterflies are deaf and offer a symbolization of freedom and independence among the Deaf community.
Please keep Emma's family, friends and community in your thoughts and prayers.
For more information, visit the New Zealand Herald at http://www.nzherald.co.nz/section/1/story.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10479454
2 comments:
I feel like I had known Emma but I had never met her. Emma really touched my heart. She was a great perosn to the hearing community and deaf community. God bless her soul.
JMA in USA
Dave & Christy
Sorry I was not able to catch up with you again before you left NZ.
I would like to say a huge thanks to you both on behalf of the family
for putting information on your website about our beautiful Emma.
I am glad that you got to spend time with Emma at the Deaf Club in Christchurch, the BBQ at Jake & Kellye's and at other times to see what a wonderful person she was.
Good luck for the rest of your travels & hope to catch up with you again.
Lots of Hugs & ILY's
Evelyn (11)
Emma's Aunty
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