The sisters of an Irish woman who was murdered a month ago in New York have spoken publicly to call on people to recognise red flags in their relationships which could indicate the potential for violence.

Denise Morgan from Co Louth was shot dead in Queens, New York, by her former partner who had learned of her plan to move out of their joint apartment.

Joed Taveras killed himself soon after killing Ms Morgan in the same apartment.

Denise's sisters Shannon and Lisa Morgan told Prime Time that Denise had confided in them and their mother about how Taveras had become increasingly controlling over the course of their relationship.

Shannon said Mr Taveras was eventually "attempting to control every aspect of her life."

"We were just helpless here. She didn’t want to call the police, she didn’t want to anger him," Lisa said.

The Morgan family also showed text messages sent by Denise in the month before her murder.

In one message she sent to her mother prior to her death, Denise described how she was awoken at night by Taveras attempting to strangle her.

Unable to provide the help needed from Ireland, Denise’s sisters said they finally took solace in hearing that she had found a new place to live away from Taveras, and had a plan to move out.

Denise was due to move into a new apartment ten days after she was killed.

Asked why they are speaking out now, Shannon and Lisa said they were hoping to help other victims.

"We are speaking as Denise’s voice, to try and raise awareness against domestic violence," said Lisa.

"Get out of that situation, you make a plan, do not let them know you are getting out – then get out, get away from them."

"Don’t ignore red flags. Don’t hide anything from your family..." said Shannon.

"The controlling... It’s so important to talk about it, she knew she had to get out, just she didn’t get time to get out," Shannon said.

On the topic of red flags, Lisa added: "The jealousy, the not being allowed to talk to other men, not being allowed to wear certain things, having to be home at a certain time after work, that kind of thing."

"Once you see it at the start, you’ll have your intuition and follow it," said Shannon.

"Denise knew that he was jealous, but she played it off, and played it off until she couldn’t. Just know, they’re never going to change, walk once you see the red flags."

Denise Morgan was originally from Tullyallen village in Co Louth. She was 39 years old when she was killed by a gunshot wound to the back of her head.

She would have been 40 next month.

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