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9th October 2024
10:51am BST
Mary Ward reportedly contacted police about a violent crime just weeks before she was found dead at her Belfast home.
The young mum's body was discovered at a property on Melrose Street, Belfast on October 1st.
The case has been referred to the Police Ombudsman because of the previous contact.
"In the weeks prior to her murder, Ms Ward reported to police that she had been the victim of a violent crime. Our investigation will focus on the police response to this report."
A spokesperson said, "Whilst at this time there is no suggestion of individual criminality or misconduct, we are nonetheless concerned about our organisational response."
Detectives are investigating the murder of the mum, but her killer has not been found.
The PSNI said they're "absolutely determined" to solve this case.
Writing on social media, her sister shared: "Mary we will get justice for you my girl. I never did think in a million years I would lose you. God will punish the ones that destroyed you."
PSNI Detective Chief Superintendent Lindsay Fisher extended her sympathies to Mary's family.
"This is absolutely appalling. Four families have been shattered forever by meaningless violence.
"The level of violence and loss in Northern Ireland demands nothing less. We are absolutely determined that we will be relentless in our pursuit of the perpetrators."
Mary Ward is the fourth woman to be killed in the last six weeks in Northern Ireland.
She is survived by her 8-month-old son.
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