Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary have charged a man in connection with the tragic death of Joanna Derkacz, a beloved 37-year-old woman whose lifeless body was discovered inside a residence in Nevinson Way, Waterlooville. The distressing incident prompted a swift and comprehensive investigation by law enforcement.
On Thursday, December 28, 2023, at approximately 11:30 am, police officers were called to the residence in Nevinson Way, responding to a report concerning Joanna Derkacz. Since that time, investigators have been diligently working to determine the circumstances surrounding her untimely demise.
As part of their ongoing investigation, authorities have formally charged 36-year-old Stephen Edward Sexton, a resident of Nevinson Way, with coercive or controlling behaviour and criminal damage. Sexton has been remanded in custody and is scheduled to appear at Portsmouth Magistrates Court today.
Additionally, it was revealed that the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) is overseeing the case, specifically focusing on the force’s previous interactions with Joanna Derkacz in the weeks leading up to her tragic passing.
The news of Joanna Derkacz’s death has deeply affected her loved ones, and her sister released a poignant tribute on behalf of the family. In the tribute, she expressed their enduring love for Joanna and their determination to seek justice for her memory.
The tribute read: “To my lovely sister. If flowers grow in heaven, on land that’s wild and free, Lord, place some in my sister’s arms and tell her they’re from me. Please tell her that we love her, and miss her every day, and tell her there’s still so much to say.”
“Remembering her is easy, She’s in everything we do, We miss her so much every day, but we know she’s safe with you. If tears could build a stairway, made from all the pain, I would walk right up to heaven, and bring her back again.”
“Lord, please take care of her, and I hope she will see, that she was such a special daughter, auntie, and sister to me. We will love you always sweet angel, you didn’t deserve this. I’ll fight for justice till my last breath.”
The community mourns the loss of Joanna Derkacz and hopes for a thorough and fair investigation into the circumstances surrounding her passing.
