The parents of a British student raped and strangled by a French serial killer dubbed the “Ogre of the Ardennes” will struggle to celebrate at Christmas.
They said their 33-year quest for justice has been difficult and a recent three-week trial has taken its toll.
Joanna Parrish, 20, was murdered in 1990 in Auxerre by Michel Fourniret who is thought to have killed 11.
His ex-wife Monique Olivier, 75, has been jailed for life after being found guilty of being complicit in Joanna’s murder as well as that of a woman aged 18 and a girl of nine.
Now Joanna’s parents Roger Parrish and Pauline Murrell have said: “Our duty to Jo is done.”
Roger said: “It has been difficult but it was something we have been determined to do even if it took longer than 33 years which it already has done we would have continued on until we got justice for Jo.”
Roger said: “It has been difficult but it was something we have been determined to do even if it took longer than 33 years which it already has done we would have continued on until we got justice for Jo.”
Pauline added: “It doesn’t feel like Christmas at all for us. I opened what cards had come from friends some of whom knew we were going to France but I don’t think I’ll get the chance to reply to them.
“We have grandchildren now and we always try to have a family Christmas and I can see that continuing but this year will be quieter than normal.”
Joanna from Newnham, Glos, was working as a teaching assistant in Auxerre when she was killed.
