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In June 2019, 23-year-old Neomi Smith spent what should have been a carefree night out in her hometown of Brechin, Angus. Loved by friends and family for her warm, vibrant personality, Neomi had her whole life ahead of her.
But behind closed doors, she endured the harsh reality of a controlling and abusive relationship. On that fateful night, Neomi’s life was tragically cut short by the very person who claimed to love her, sending shockwaves through the close-knit Scottish community.
If you are experiencing domestic abuse or are concerned that someone you know is, visit ydom.co.uk/resources-for-everyone for support and help.
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Intro music:
David John Brady - 'Throw Down the Gauntlet'
davidjohnbrady.com
Disclaimer:
The case discussed in this podcast episode is real and represents the worst day in many people's lives. I aim to cover such stories with a victim-focused approach, using information from publicly available sources. While I strive for accuracy, some details may vary depending on the sources used. I list the sources used in each episode on my website. Due to the nature of the content, listener discretion is advised. Thank you for your understanding and support.
References:
Buaya, A. (2019, July 5). Devastated father pays tribute to his “little angel” daughter, 23, who was stabbed to death as 23-year-old man faces murder charge. Mail Online. https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-7215977/Brechin-father-pays-tribute-daughter-little-angel-daughter-Neomi-Smith.html
Clark, C. (2019, June 11). Man appears in court charged with murder of 23-year-old Neomi Smith. Hello Rayo. Retrieved January 13, 2025, from https://hellorayo.co.uk/northsound/local/news/man-appears-in-court-charged-with-murder-of-23-year-old-neomi-smith/
Haslam, D. (2020a, June 29). Neomi’s story: On the night he killed her, she was going to leave him. The Courier. https://www.thecourier.co.uk/fp/courier-investigations/1402574/neomis-story-she-always-liked-the-bad-boys-she-thought-she-could-fix-him/
Haslam, D. (2020b, September 18). ‘He’s got off lightly’ says dad of woman murdered in Brechin as killer loses appeal against sentence. The Courier. https://www.thecourier.co.uk/fp/news/angus-mearns/1589935/hes-got-off-lightly-says-dad-of-woman-murdered-in-brechin-as-killer-loses-appeal-against-sentence/
HMA v Keith Rizzo. (2020, April 6). Judiciary of Scotland. Retrieved January 13, 2025, from https://judiciary.scot/home/sentences-judgments/sentences-and-opinions/2020/04/06/hma-v-keith-rizzo
Keith, J. (2020a, February 25). Neomi Smith murder trial: Accused pleaded for help on Facebook minutes after her death, court hears. The Courier. https://www.thecourier.co.uk/fp/news/courts/1158944/neomi-smith-murder-trial-accused-pleaded-for-help-on-facebook-minutes-after-her-death-court-hears/
Keith, J. (2020b, March 9). Man found guilty of “vile and brutal murder” of Aberdeen woman Neomi Smith. Press and Journal. https://www.pressandjournal.co.uk/fp/news/crime-courts/2061704/man-guilty-of-vile-and-brutal-murder-of-aberdeen-woman-neomi-smith/
Keith Rizzo found guilty of murdering Neomi Smith at Brechin flat. (2020, March 9). Hello Rayo. Retrieved January 13, 2025, from https://hellorayo.co.uk/tay/local/news/keith-rizzo-guilty-murder-neomi-smith/
Man “argued with girlfriend night before murder”, trial hears. (2020, February 24). BBC News. Retrieved January 13, 2025, from https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-scotland-tayside-central-51613312
Man charged with murder after woman’s death in Brechin. (2019, June 10). Guernsey Press. https://guernseypress.com/news/uk-news/2019/06/10/man-charged-with-murder-after-womans-death-in-brechin/
Man in court over woman’s murder in Brechin. (2019, June 11). BBC News. Retrieved January 13, 2025, from https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-tayside-central-48596025
Man on trial charged with murder of partner Neomi Smith in Brechin. (2020, February 21). BBC News. Retrieved January 13, 2025, from https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-tayside-central-51586981
McCabe, G. (2020, March 4). Brechin bloodbath victim Neomi Smith suffered 32 stab wounds in savage attack. Daily Record. Retrieved January 13, 2025, from https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/news/crime/brechin-bloodbath-victim-neomi-smith-21632829
Neomi Smith killer Keith Rizzo jailed for minimum of 22 years for Brechin murder. (2020, April 6). The Courier. https://www.thecourier.co.uk/fp/news/courts/1246606/neomi-smith-killer-keith-rizzo-jailed-for-minimum-of-22-years-for-brechin-murder/
Neomi Smith: Murder trial hears of “scene of carnage” in Brechin flat. (2020, February 25). BBC News. Retrieved January 13, 2025, from https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-tayside-central-51631792
Neomi Smith: Murder trial told of bloodstained knives in flat. (2020, March 3). BBC News. Retrieved January 13, 2025, from https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-tayside-central-51705292
Sentencing of Keith Rizzo for the murder of Neomi Smith. (2020, April 6). Police Scotland. Retrieved January 13, 2025, from https://www.scotland.police.uk/what-s-happening/news/2020/april/sentencing-of-keith-rizzo-for-the-murder-of-neomi-smith/
