Donna-Lee Donaldson’s mother was driven to tears after ConstableNoel Maitland was found guilty of the murder of her daughter. The tears shed by Sophia Lugg outside the Home Circuit Court on Thursday were a profound display of triumph after an arduous eight-month trial.
Luggs had her hands raised to the sky, rejoicing as she finally found the justice she had been seeking since her daughter’s disappearance on July 12, 2022. While speaking to reporters, she expressed gratitude to everyone globally who supported her and tearfully added, “Victory belongs to us.” She also thanked the judge, the jury, and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) for their part in the case.
Lugg was not the only one in tears over the verdict that was handed down. When the verdict was read that he is guilty of both charges, murder and preventing the lawful burial of a corpse, Maitland began crying in court.
Lugg was asked to comment on Maitland’s emotional reaction, but said she was unsure how to interpret it. “Tears are a language for even the murderers. God understands; he knows why he cries. He has been crying from day one. I don’t understand why. Why did Noel Maitland do this?” she added.
She indicated that she still does not understand why Maitland would harm her daughter, with whom he was in a relationship. The 24-year-old victim went missing after she went to visit Maitland’s residence at Chelsea Manor Apartments in St Andrew. Despite the police efforts, her body was never found.
“I may never know what happened to my daughter Donna Lee Donaldson; I may never get a bone, but justice will serve,” she continued. She vowed to keep fighting, saying that even though he is convicted, it is still not the end. She also said that she knows God will handle the matter in his own way.