Murder of Jacqueline Barrett - Moving vigil for mum-of-three who was found dead days before Christmas
Published: 29 December 2010
by JAMIE WELHAM
A GRIEVING mother whose daughter was found strangled just days before Christmas has praised neighbours who this week held a vigil for the 34-year-old victim.
Angie Barrett, who lives in Gospel Oak, said the response to the death of mother-of-three Jacqueline, who grew up in the area, had been “heart-warming”.
Friends, family and former teachers of Jacqueline – who attended Fleet and Haverstock schools – gathered outside the Queen’s Crescent Community Centre last Wednesday night.
Her body was discovered at the flat she shared with her boyfriend in Cricklewood in the early hours of December 11.
Ms Barrett, a caretaker manager at Camden Council, said: “The community around here have been so kind. It means so much to me that our loss has been recognised by everyone. It has been heart-warming how people have looked out for us since it happened.”
A crowd of around 60 people, stood with Jacqueline’s children and two sisters outside the centre where they lit candles, tied balloons and released sky lanterns by the shrine that has built up over the past two weeks.
Ms Barrett kissed pictures of her daughter while friends brought a portable CD player to play her favourite song, Beautiful Lady, by the reggae singer Gyptian.
Chris Zrachaimis, who works at the nearby Goddess salon, where he used to cut Jacqueline’s hair, paid tribute to his friend, saying a short prayer before a toast to her memory in the Sir Robert Peel pub.
He said: “There is a time for dancing and a time for mourning. This is a time for mourning for Jackie. We all knew her as a lovely person. She is in heaven now.”
Ms Barrett added: “She used to meet as a teenager on the steps of the centre with all her mates.
“I can’t believe she has gone.
“She has left three children, and for another person to have taken her life is terrible. I just hope justice is done.”
The funeral date is yet to be confirmed.
Houssam Djemaa has appeared in court charged with murder. The 23-year-old has been remanded in custody ahead of a plea and directions hearing at the Old Bailey on March 16. Jacqueline had been in a six-month relationship with Mr Djemaa.