Detectives in Northern Ireland who launched a murder investigation over the weekend have formally named the deceased as 28-year-old Amy Doherty.
It comes as the Police Service of Northern Ireland’s Major Investigation Team released a new photo of the mum of two, as tributes to Ms Doherty flooded in online.
Ms Doherty was found injured in a house in the Summer Meadows Mews area of the city on Saturday morning, 21st March.
Detective Inspector Ferguson said in a statement on Monday: “Amy was found, badly injured, at around 10.20am on Saturday. She was taken to hospital by colleagues from the Ambulance Service but, sadly, passed away a short time later.
“At 28 years old, Amy was just a young woman. And my thoughts are, first and foremost, with her family and friends at this unimaginably distressing time.”
Detective Inspector Ferguson continued: “A 30-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of murder, and remains in custody at this time.
“Our enquiries are continuing, and the local community will continue to see a police presence in the Summer Meadows area over the coming days.
“I am appealing to anyone with information to contact us on 101, quoting reference 469 of 21/03/2026.”
Alternatively information can be provided, with total anonymity, to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org.
The Irish News reports that the suspect in the murder was arrested after falling from the Foyle Bridge on the outskirts of the city. The paper said that it is understood the 30-year-old fell from the bridge, which rises to more than 100ft, on Saturday morning, triggering a major police and rescue operation.
The murder of Ms Doherty has “devastated” Derry and plunged the city into mourning, the Stormont Assembly heard on Monday.
“This recent devastation within Derry city has left two young children without their mother and another family left to try and pick up the pieces which should never have been broken,” said Foyle MLA Ciara Ferguson.
Mark Durkan MLA said he had visited Ms Doherty’s family on Sunday.
“They have lost a daughter, a sister, a niece, an aunt, a granddaughter. Two more wee children face a future in this frightening world without their mammy. It is shameful. It is shocking but sadly it is not surprising that we are here again grieving the loss of another woman under such horrific and heart-breaking circumstances,” said the SDLP politician.
He noted that Ms Doherty’s tragic death brings the total number of women murdered in the North since 2020 to 30.
“We need to ask why the North is the most dangerous place in Europe for women to live, why 30 women have been murdered here since 2020,” said Mr Durkan.
“Amy’s name is on the lips of everyone across the city this morning. Going about our day-to-day doesn’t feel right and it shouldn’t feel right because there is something deeply wrong with our society.”
Numerous tributes have been paid to the young Derry woman, who has been described by friends as a “shining light” and a special person with a sparkling personality.
One tribute posted online by a friend read:
“Rest in peace Amy Doherty. Taken from this world away from her wee babies, I have no words. You were a gem and the funniest person, the craic was always had with you. A whole town in mourning, shock and anger. The most terrible news ever waking up to this today.
“A young, beautiful life taken way too soon in the most tragicc, evil and devastating way. Look after your babies and give your mammy, daddy and brothers the strength to get through this unimaginable loss. Rest easy wee dotes. This should never have happened, I have no words, pure evil.”
Another friend of the 28-year-old wrote: “I have no words for poor Amy. Whole life ahead of her. Nicest, bubbly girl who loved a laugh and loved her family.
“She gave her babies life and got her life taken from her. The darkest shadow over Derry. May her friends, family and two children find any strength to get through this living nightmare.”
The community in Derry have been encouraged to attend a vigil with flowers and candles outside the Guildhall on Friday evening for the young mother.