The families of Jastine Valdez and Mark Hennessy met last week to offer each other their sympathies.
They released a joint statement through the Gardaí: "In the midst of our grief both the Valdez and Hennessy families met on Friday morning where we exchanged sympathies with each other on the tragic circumstances that resulted in the loss of our respective loved ones.”
They added: “Both families request privacy at this very difficult time.”
Jastine was killed by Mark Hennessy after he abducted her on Saturday, May 19.
Hundreds of people including members of the local and Filipino communities turned out for the candlelight vigil and prayer service in Enniskerry in Wicklow tonight in memory of Jastine Valdez and in support of her family #JastineValdez pic.twitter.com/PfxOIFDPax
— Fergal O'Brien (@FergalOBrienTV3) May 22, 2018
The 24-year-old’s body was found near Pucks Castle golf course in Shankill, where Gardaí also found the student’s bag and ID.
Mark Hennessy was fatally injured by Gardaí in Cherrywood during the investigation. The shooting is currently being investigated by the Garda Siochana Ombudsman's Commission.
He was buried at Mount Jerome Chapel in Dublin's Harold's Cross on Saturday. It is understood that his mum told mourners that his family was broken.
A GoFundMe has been set up for Jastine’s family. The public has helped raise nearly €140,000 for the student’s parents. “Any and all funds raised on this page will go directly to the parents of Jastine Valdez to help them in the weeks and months ahead.”
We are thinking of both families during this harrowing time.
