Heartbroken wife speaks out after husband allegedly murdered by her father
The 38-year-old was allegedly shot dead at home in rural NSW in a case that sent shockwaves to the other side of the world.
The wife of a man allegedly shot dead by her father has spoken of her heartache after losing her partner and father of her children.
Identified by media as Damien Conlon, the 38-year-old was originally from Sligo, Ireland but was living in Australia when he was allegedly shot dead in February at a home in Oberon, in western NSW.
NSW Police were called to a house where it's believed he was living with his wife, Australian woman Linda Simon, who he reportedly met in 2019.
A 57-year-old male, later identified as Luke Simon — Ms Simon's father — was arrested at the scene and taken to Bathurst Police Station. He was charged with murder and appeared in court on February 10. He was refused bail and returns to court next month.
Grieving wife Linda Simon speaks out
The grieving mother — who shared two sons with Mr Conlon — is now preparing to fly to Mr Conlon's hometown in Ireland to be with his family. Recalling how they met, Ms Simon reportedly said there was an instant spark with the carpenter who doted on their children, including her two sons from a previous marriage.
"He always enjoyed showing the children woodwork, he was avid lover of motorbikes, it was just... these are the things we just miss," she said, The Daily Mail reported. "It really is so tough. But his family have been fantastic support for us, absolutely fantastic".
On a GoFundMe page set up by a friend of the family, Ms Simon thanked those who'd donated so far. All funds raised will cover the costs of her flights back to Ireland.
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"The next step on the journey to our new normal is to take myself, Damien and our boys back to Ireland to allow the family and friends in Ireland to put Damien to rest and gain closure," she wrote this week. "Any and all help to get us to Ireland is deeply appreciated."
Sharing her sadness on Facebook, Ms Simon said Mr Conlan "leaves behind 2 beautiful sons, 2 beautiful step sons and myself".
"A massive hole that is impossible to fill has been left in our household."
Family shocked by sudden death of Damien Conlon
The 38-year-old moved to Australia in 2011, according to reports, and later became a citizen in July, 2021. A carpenter by trade, Mr Conlan went on to build a successful excavating business in Australia, which he said was "the best country in the world", the Irish Mirror reported.
Following his death, Mr Conlan's brother John told The Sligo Champion that the devastated family are trying to come to terms with the loss of their beloved son and brother.
"It was a terrible shock to all our family, and it really didn’t hit me until about two days after," he said. "And the fact that he was so far away makes it even harder to deal with".
"His loss has left a noticeable void in the Conlon household and in the hearts of all those who loved him," the GoFundMe page said.
Luke Simon will remain in custody until his next court date on April 5.
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