Funeral details for little girl killed in murder suicide announced

Julia Daczkowska, five, was found dead in her home in Finglas, Co Dublin, alongside her father. It is believed that her father strangled her to death before taking his own life.

Little Julia’s death notice reads that she was a "bright, happy little girl" before her horrific death, with her set to celebrate her 6th birthday just days before she was killed. Her family said it "now feels bittersweet for all who loved her".

"Julia was a bright, happy little girl who filled every day with laughter, curiosity, and boundless energy. In just a few days, she would have marked her 6th birthday, a milestone that now feels bittersweet for all who loved her," her family said.

"Her sudden and tragic passing has left her family and friends heartbroken. As we come together to honour her memory, we hold her loving mother close in our hearts and prayers as she faces the unimaginable loss of her beautiful child."

A memorial mass to remember and celebrate the life of Julia will take place on Thursday, October 9, at 11am in St Canice’s Church, Finglas Village.

From there, she will be repatriated to Poland, where she was originally from, for her funeral to take place next week among her extended families and loved ones there.

Tributes have poured in for Julia and her family following her death, with one woman commenting, "I fondly remember beautiful Julia with her bright smile, always so kind and full of joy. She went to preschool with my little boy, and we would see her every day, a sweet, gentle soul who brought light wherever she was.

"I am so sorry to hear about your beautiful Julia," another wrote to her mother. "I’m sending all my love, prayers and strength to you. My deepest condolences," while another added, "Thinking of Julia and her mammy x."

It is believed that Julia’s mother made the devastating discovery that her daughter was strangled to death, while her father, aged in his 30s, hanged himself. Julia’s mother contacted emergency services and the Gardaí, but the pair were already dead by the time they arrived.

The family was originally from Poland, but had been living in Ireland for some time.

There were no signs of a break-in in the investigation, with local TD Rory Hearne of the Social Democrats saying the community had been left "stunned" and said his "thoughts and prayers are with the family" and nearby residents.

* This article was originally published on Extra.ie.