The suspect arrested for the murder of 30-year-old Wembley mother Michelle Murison last Wednesday is due to appear in court today.
Murison was stabbed to death in her Armstrong Drive home, allegedly by a man believed to be employed by her and her partner, Kevin Liddell. Police arrested the man on Friday.
This weekend, her friends and family gathered in PMB and told The Witness of their anguish at her tragic death, in a poignant statement released yesterday.
"We will always remember our dear Mishie as the loving and affectionate person that she was," said her family. "We loved her wonderful sense of humour and her infectious laugh, her direct approach to life and her unwavering loyalty and compassion for everyone around her. It is with the greatest of sorrow to think that little Riley will not have the chance to see her mother’s beautiful smile again."
Liddell said that he and Murison were together for nearly 10 years and built a life and family together in Pietermaritzburg.
"Michelle typified the ‘still waters run deep’ adage. Mish had a carefree demeanour that belied her deeply introspective character, which drew me to her. She attacked every challenge … with tenacity and a refusal to give up till her goal was absolutely achieved."
He described Murison as "fiercely loyal to family and friends".
"She was my rock, my absolute point of reference. When Mish and I had our baby girl Riley, she exceeded my every expectation as a wonderfully devoted, caring and doting mother.
"She was a loving, understanding partner to me, my best friend and confidante. I mourn her to the core of my being," said Liddell.
Murison lived with Liddell and their 14-month-old daughter Riley.
She was described as a "brilliant mother" by close friends, who said that she and Riley were inseparable.
"When they smiled together, it would light up a room," they said.
Other grieving friends this weekend spoke fondly of Murison, describing her as a "warm, kind, intelligent and insightful woman, who had a passion for crossword puzzles".
The family expressed their "deepest gratitude for the support received from friends and the community, which has been truly overwhelming".
Murison was born in Cape Town and moved to PMB with her family when she was five years old. She matriculated from Alexandra High in 1994.
She started her working career in the banking industry, then spent some time travelling overseas from 1999. In 2001 she returned to pursue a career in conveyancing.
