Lisburn Man Sentenced to 19 Years for Murder of Mum-of-Four Natasha Melendez

Domestic violence tragedy: Justice delivered five years after brutal 2020 attack in Lisburn

Date: 6 June 2025
Location: Belfast Crown Court, Northern Ireland
Category: Crime, Domestic Abuse, Northern Ireland News

John Scott has been sentenced to a minimum of 19 years in prison for the 2020 murder of Natasha Melendez, a 32-year-old mother of four from Lisburn. The court heard how she suffered multiple assaults before her death. Her family continue to grieve deeply while police urge victims of domestic abuse across Northern Ireland to seek help.

A Lisburn man has been sentenced to 19 years behind bars for the murder of 32-year-old mother-of-four Natasha Melendez, following a harrowing domestic abuse case that shocked the local community.

John Scott (36) appeared before Belfast Crown Court on Friday, 6 June 2025, where the judge confirmed that he will serve a minimum life term of 19 years for the killing of Ms Melendez, who was originally from Venezuela.

Scott had previously pleaded guilty to the murder, as well as three earlier assaults, one of which involved grievous bodily harm with intent, carried out against Ms Melendez during their relationship.

Timeline of a Tragedy in Lisburn

The fatal assault occurred on 22 March 2020 at Natasha’s home in Lisburn, County Antrim. She sustained catastrophic injuries to her head and neck and died in hospital several days later.

Detective Chief Inspector Kerrie Foreman, speaking on behalf of the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI), described the attack as “vicious” and highlighted that it followed a pattern of violence. A post-mortem confirmed Natasha died due to trauma inflicted during the assault.

“So many people, not least Natasha’s loving mother, have suffered unimaginably as a result of Scott’s brutality,” said DCI Foreman.
“This wasn’t an isolated act. He had previously assaulted her on three occasions. The court has now held him accountable.”

A Mother’s Heartfelt Statement: ‘She Meant the World to Us’

In a deeply moving personal statement, Maria De Los Angeles Mejias, Natasha’s mother, shared the pain her family has endured over the last five years:

“Natasha was full of life — fearless, cheerful, and talkative. She was a devoted mother of four. The youngest was just five months old when she died. Our family will never be the same again.”

Maria spoke of the long wait for justice, which was marked by fear and anguish. She accused Scott of attempting to delay justice and evade responsibility, stating:

“You took a life that meant the world to me, to her children, and to everyone who loved her.”

Raising Awareness: Domestic Abuse in Northern Ireland

This tragic case of domestic homicide has once again highlighted the urgent need for awareness around domestic violence in Northern Ireland. Police are using the case to urge victims to speak out.

“Domestic abuse can take many forms — emotional, physical, psychological,” said DCI Foreman.
“If you’re suffering, please speak up. You will be heard, and you will be supported.”

Victims of domestic abuse can contact the PSNI on 101, report online at www.psni.police.uk/report, or call 999 in an emergency.

For more resources, visit: www.psni.police.uk/crime/domestic-abuse