The beautiful Irish woman who was shot dead by her partner in New York was due to move into a “safe” apartment just days after the tragic death

A BEAUTIFUL Irish woman who was shot dead by her boyfriend in a horrific murder/suicide in New York was set to move into another apartment just days after her tragic death.

Denise Morgan, who was originally from Co Louth, was “looking forward to a new life” before her brutal death, relatives said.

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Police found the 39-year-old, mother of a nine-year-old girl, dead after she ran to the scene following reports of arguments and gunshots.

A 33-year-old American was also found dead in the same Queens apartment in the early hours of Saturday.

A gun was found next to the body of the man believed to be Denise’s partner.

Bridget, who served as Denise’s “American mother,” told the IrishStar that Denise was due to move into her old apartment on November 1st – just 11 days after her death – where she felt “safe and cared for”.

She said: “Denise and I met in 2018 when she moved into the apartment above me. We hit it off straight away.”

“Denise lived for her daughter. She would do anything for them. She worked multiple jobs to ensure her daughter had everything she needed. They painted and drew together for hours. She was practical.”

“She moved out of me into a larger apartment about a year ago, which I couldn’t blame her for. She should move back to get away from him. I spoke to her on Friday morning and she said she would meet me on Tuesday, but he didn’t let her go.

“She was so happy when they were in their previous place. That’s all she kept telling me – that it’s the only place she’s ever felt happy and safe.”

And Bridget said Denise was due to celebrate her 40th birthday in Las Vegas with a group of friends in December.

She said: “She was planning the trip to Las Vegas with a group of friends and was so excited. It was something positive for her to look forward to. Unfortunately, you can’t predict what will happen.”

The Cottage Bar restaurant in New York where the Co Louth woman worked said the sudden loss of Denise had left them all in “shock and sadness”.

In a statement, they wrote: “It is incredibly difficult to understand the void left by her sudden departure.”

“Her warmth, kindness and vibrant spirit will be sorely missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her.”

Her sister Lisa, who called the killer a “coward,” thanked the restaurant for its “kind words about our beautiful sister.”

She wrote: “We appreciate her very much and it eases the pain a little to know how much she was loved.”

And in a tribute last week, Denise’s pal Nicky Kerr wrote that “everyone who met her” “has only ever known your love and care”.

She added: “October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Please run at the first red flag and never look back.”

The New York Police Department said an investigation is ongoing, but police are not looking for anyone else in connection with the double murder.