A cold blooded killer murdered Megan McAlorum, 16, in a violent attack, then dumped her body in woodland nearly 20 years ago.
Way back in 2006, Thomas Purcell, who was 16-years-old at the time of the murder, was convicted of murder and sentenced 15 years imprisonment. He was released from prison in 2021.
How it Happened
Purcell had given Megan a lift on Easter Sunday from a takeaway shop in Belfast before she suffered violence from his hannds as she suffered 54 fractures to her skull.
Her body was later found in a wooded area on the outskirts of west Belfast.
Purcell served his time and was released from prison in 2021 before returning to live in Oxford.
The Death of Purcell
But now, Purcell has met his death too as he is reportedly dead in a car crash, an inquest was told.
Purcell was allegedly driving a car on March 4 when his vehicle was involved in a collision with a van.
He suffered catastrophic head injuries in the impact. The driver of the van was also badly injured but is recovering.
Remembering McAlorum
Miss McAlorum’s sister Lynne said his death evoke the memories of her sister.
Speaking to the Andersonstown News on Monday, Lynne said: ‘We got a call yesterday morning to confirm that it was him who died.’
She added: ‘The only comfort it brings is that he will never be able to do what he did to Megan ever again.
‘Megan’s 20th anniversary is coming up here in April. When I heard the news, I just thought of Megan and my mummy Margaret as well, who campaigned so hard for victims.’
