The families of murder victims Aidan Moffitt and Michael Snee have welcomed the double life sentence handed to Yousef Palani, calling it a day for “justice”.
The 23-year-old of Markievicz Heights, Co Sligo, pleaded guilty to the double murder last year and was sentenced today.
He was also handed a separate 20-year sentence for causing serious harm to Anthony Burke.
Snee family relative Emma Fitzpatrick welcomed the sentence on behalf of the family.
“Today is for justice,” she said.
“Michael was a loving son, a brother, an uncle, a godparent, a friend.
“We as a family will forever mourn his loss... our pain is immeasurable.
“We pray that no other family will ever experience the trauma that we've had to endure.”
Ms Fitzpatrick thanked the investigative Gardaí “for bringing us here today”.
Outside court, Emma Fitzpatrick, who is a relative of Michael Snee said their family have been left heartbroken and the pain of what happened is still immeasurable @NewstalkFM pic.twitter.com/8zJnG5Rvwv
— Barry Whyte (@BarryWhyte85) October 23, 2023
Moffitt family solicitor William Henry said thanked the “countless individuals, organisations and professional services who have shown the family such unwavering support and assistance” since Aidan’s death.
“The family want to ensure that on this important day, Aidan was once again remembered publicly for the great person that he was, not for the events of the tragically ended his life,” he said.
“Aidan had a smile and personality that lit up the world.
“Family was so important to Aidan, and he was the best son he could be to his mother over the years.”
Outside court, Emma Fitzpatrick, who is a relative of Michael Snee said their family have been left heartbroken and the pain of what happened is still immeasurable @NewstalkFM pic.twitter.com/8zJnG5Rvwv
— Barry Whyte (@BarryWhyte85) October 23, 2023
Mr Henry said the Moffitt family are “devastated, lost in grief and will forever be heartbroken and empty because of what has happened”.
“Aidan’s memory will live on through multiple initiatives in his communities, and he will not be forgotten by his family, friends or loved ones,” he said.
“The family wish to thank publicly everyone who supported them throughout these arduous 18 months, especially friends and neighbours in Sligo.”
At Palani's sentencing hearing today, the court hear how distressing details of how he used dating apps to target gay men living alone in the Sligo area, murdering two and seriously injuring another.
