The family of a man who was brutally killed by serial killer Joanne Dennehy have spoken of their loss of the family man who was full of laughter and excitement.
Speaking on behalf of the relatives of victim Kevin Lee, Darren Cray said: “This has been an incomprehensibly difficult time for all the family as we try and come to terms with what has happened to Kevin.
“Nothing is the same now. This tragedy has shaken our lives to the core and we are devastated about how Kevin’s life came to an end.”
Mr Cray, who is Cristina Lee’s brother-in-law, added: “Cristina married Kevin in 1996. They happily raised their daughter Chiara and their son Dino.
“Kevin was Cristina’s first relationship, she is devastated that Kevin has been taken away from us as a family. Initially, after discovering the circumstances of Kevin’s death she felt a lot of anger but she is slowly managing to deal with that.”
Mr Lee was one of three victims of serial killer Dennehy who is awaiting sentence after pleading guilty to three murders and two attempted murders.
Mr Cray said “As a family we feel an immense pressure to fill so many voids which no one could ever really replace. Kevin was so full of life, excitement and laughter that life now is very dull without him around. He was headstrong, intelligent, unique and his charisma ensured everyone he ever met would never forget him, a true one off.
“We live everyday with the devastating effect this has had on our family. Cristina, Chiara and Dino are now in a very different place, they struggle everyday to deal with our loss and everyday we all try and pick up the pieces.
“Dino has lost not only his Dad, but his best friend, his karting mechanic and his most enthusiastic and encouraging mentor.
“Dino and Chiara have in essence lost both parents because Cristina hasn’t been able to deal with her own grief, almost 12 months on and she is still not coming to terms with the loss of Kevin.
“Joanne Dennehy, has taken over our lives and has callously created a hole that cannot be filled. She tried to humiliate Kevin in a way that wasn’t deserved. Kevin gave everyone a chance, no matter how vulnerable which sadly led to him losing his life. I’m sure all of those people he helped will remember how he helped them. His friends and family were absolutely blessed to know the true person he was and will remember him always and miss him each day.
“The trial is over and the jury has reached its verdict. We would like to thank all those involved in the case and the support that has been given to our family, in particular Victim Support homicide service and officers from the Major Crime Unit.
“Kevin was much-loved by all his family and he will be greatly missed. May he rest in peace and our family be left to grieve.”
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