The family of Angus murder victim Neomi Smith have told of the devastation “vile” murderer Keith Rizzo has wreaked on their lives.
In the wake of the 23-year-old’s killer being handed a life sentence with a minimum term of 22 years, Neomi’s family said no amount of time behind bars was “long enough” for callous Rizzo.
On Monday relatives paid tribute to Neomi, saying she was the “life and soul” of every party.
The family statement reads: “As a family we are totally devastated at losing Neomi. Her character will always remain with us all. Her smile would light up a room.
“She was the life and soul of a party. So for her to be brutally killed at the hands of Keith Rizzo has devastated us all.
“He never even knew her given the short period of time they were together.
“No sentence could be long enough for this vile person.”
Neomi Smith killer Keith Rizzo jailed for minimum of 22 years for Brechin murder
The family added: “We would like to thank the Police and Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service for their hard work in bringing Keith Rizzo to justice.
“We ask now that we have some personal time to reflect on these last 10 months in private.”
Detective Inspector Ross Fitzgerald added “Our thoughts are still very much with Neomi’s family and friends during what is a really difficult time for them.
“The loss of their daughter, sister and friend has been agonising for them.
“This conviction will not in any way compensate for their loss, but Rizzo will now have to face the consequences for his horrific actions.”
