• Pattern of Abuse: Celaire was known to be a narcissistic control freak with a history of violence against women. He regularly hit Cassandra, leaving her with visible bruises.

 

• Murder Night: In 2001, at her mother’s home in Streatham, Cassandra was brutally beaten by Celaire. She passed out and ultimately died from choking on her vomit after receiving 45 blows to her face.

 

• Discovery: Cassandra’s body was found by her sister, Andrea, who reported the scene as chaotic but not indicative of a robbery. The house had clothes strewn everywhere but no signs of forced entry or theft.

 

• Initial Investigation: Celaire was immediately a suspect due to his violent history and the couple’s known arguments. However, he claimed in a prepared statement that he had left Cassandra alive. There was insufficient evidence to convict him, leading to his acquittal in 2002.

​​

• Aftermath: Jennifer McDermott expressed deep frustration with the legal system, believing that the police and CPS failed to bring Mario to justice. The family remained haunted by the knowledge that Mario might reoffend.

 

• Subsequent Attack: In 2007, Mario Celaire, now Mario McNish, attacked another woman, Kara Hoyt, hitting her with a hammer and causing severe injuries. Kara survived thanks to the quick thinking of her new boyfriend, Junior, who found her and called for help.

 

• Legacy: Despite Cassandra's tragic death and the subsequent attack on Kara Hoyt, Celaire/McNish was arrested, tried and ultimately convicted of the murder and attack of both women in a case of double jeopardy in the UK. The Cassandra Centre was established by Cassandra's family to support victims of domestic violence and raise awareness about the dangers of abusive relationships.