Man sentenced to minimum 19 years for murder of Natasha Melendez

Jailed: 36-year-old John Scott

A 36-year-old Lisburn man, John Scott, has been ordered to serve a minimum of 19 years in prison for the murder of Natasha Melendez, a mother of four originally from Venezuela, who tragically died following a brutal domestic assault in 2020.

Scott appeared before Belfast Crown Court today, 6 June, where his minimum term was set, following a life sentence imposed last June after he admitted to murder and three previous assaults on Ms Melendez — including one of grievous bodily harm with intent.

Vicious assault led to Death

Detective Chief Inspector Kerrie Foreman of the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) detailed the harrowing events that led to Natasha’s death.

“Natasha Melendez was 32 years old when she was murdered by John Scott, with whom she was in a relationship,” said DCI Foreman.

“Natasha, who was originally from Venezuela, was subjected to a serious assault in her home in Lisburn on 22 March in 2020. She was taken to hospital but, sadly, died from her injuries some days later.”

A post mortem examination revealed that she had died from trauma to her head and neck, consistent with the violent nature of the attack.

DCI Foreman continued: “This was a vicious attack by the defendant. It took the life of a young woman, leaving four young children without their mother.”

Pattern of domestic Abuse

The court heard that Scott had previously assaulted Natasha on three separate occasions, a pattern of violence that ultimately escalated into fatal abuse.

“So many people, not least Natasha’s loving mother, have suffered unimaginably as a result of Scott’s brutality. Theirs is a torment deepened by the realisation that this was not a one-off assault.”

She added:

“Working with the Public Prosecution Service, the defendant has now been held accountable, and will no doubt have time to reflect upon his actions as he spends his next years in prison. At the same time, I’m mindful that a loving family’s heartache continues, and my thoughts go out to them.”

Call to victims of domestic abuse

DCI Foreman used the opportunity to urge others suffering from domestic abuse to seek help.

“Sadly, we know that domestic abuse can take many forms, including emotional and physical abuse, and we know that it can affect anyone.

“In this case, an appalling and ultimate act of violence has taken a young woman’s life. I am keen to encourage any victim of abuse, whatever your circumstances, to please come forward. We will listen to you and treat you with the utmost sensitivity.”

Victims are urged to contact police on 101, report online at www.psni.police.uk/report, or call 999 in an emergency. More information is available on the PSNI’s domestic abuse webpage: www.psni.police.uk/crime/domestic-abuse.

“A life that meant the world to us”

Murdered: mother of four, Natasha Melendez

In a powerful and emotional statement, Natasha’s mother, Maria De Los Angeles Mejias, shared the family’s heartbreak and the profound loss they continue to endure.

“Never in my worst nightmares did I think my daughter, Natasha, would become a victim of such a heinous crime, enduring not only the ultimate act of violence but also the continued abuse she faced.

“Natasha was a vibrant woman, full of life, cheerful, and talkative. You could discuss anything with her… The word that best defines her is ‘fearless’. She was also a mother of four children… Her children will never know who she truly was.”

Maria described the lasting devastation Scott’s actions have caused, not only to Natasha’s children, the youngest of whom was just five months old at the time, but also to the wider family.

“The past five years have been a long and gruelling wait for justice – five years filled with fear, anguish, and uncertainty as to whether the system would fail us, whether he would be released, whether his clear attempts to evade accountability and delay the justice process would succeed.

“You took a life, a life that meant the world to me, to her children, to her family, and to her friends.”

A tragic reminder

The murder of Natasha Melendez has sent ripples through her community and across Northern Ireland, shining a stark light on the dangers of domestic abuse. While her killer has now been sentenced, Natasha’s family must continue to live with the loss of a cherished daughter, sister, and mother.

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic abuse, help is available. Contact police on 101, or in an emergency call 999. Visit www.psni.police.uk/crime/domestic-abuse for support services.