THE FAMILY OF Nicola Furlong told a Japanese court today how their lives have changed since she was killed in Tokyo on 24 May last year.

The 21-year-old student’s mother, Angela, said they carry a “cloak of darkness” with them at all times.

Nicola’s sister, Andrea, also delivered a victim impact statement today during the trial of Richard Hinds, the American musician accused of murdering the Wexford native.

After the hearing they both spoke with RTÉ News about their torment.

“It was very important to get all my points across today and I did,” said Angela. “I did ask the question, ‘Why? Why my Nicola? Why did she have to die? Why did he choose her? And we did ask that question. Unfortunately, we did not get a clear answer but we got the opportunity to ask that question.

Andrea recalled how she told the three judges and six jurors about her relationship with Nicola – that they were sisters and best friends.

The 19-year-old added, “I explained my hatred for the accused. I really feel like I got my point across there because I’m feeling it. That’s the way I’m feeling and I’m not going to try hide it.”

According to reports, two of the jurors and one judge cried during the statements.

Hinds was cross-examined during today’s proceedings, stating he had no explanation for the victim’s death but admitting to putting both of his hands around her neck on the night in question. He had previously told the court he had put only one hand on her throat but blamed a translation error for the discrepancies in his testimony.

Footage from the taxi that took Furlong, her friend (known as Victim A), Hinds and his friend James Blackston to the Keio Plaza hotel that night was also shown in court.

Hinds has denied murder. A verdict is expected on 19 March.

Comments are closed as legal proceedings are active.

Yesterday: ‘It’s very, very hard. No parent should have to go through it’