The Wedding That Never Was

Justine never got to say her marriage vows, but why?

- Saskia Murphy

A month before her wedding, Justine Ruszczyk, 40, was in the prime of her life.

Blonde and beautiful, she was thriving in her career as a life coach and yoga teacher. She was also a spiritual healer, dedicated to helping others.

In April 2014, Justine had moved from Sydney to Minneapolis to be with her beloved fiance Don Damond.

It didn’t take her long to settle in. An animal lover, Justine volunteered at a local dog shelter.

And she became a loving step mum to Don’s son Zach, 19.

In July 2017, Justine and Don were just four weeks away from getting married in Hawaii.

They’d planned a beach ceremony, Justine had picked out a beautiful gown.

But on 15 July 2017, tragedy struck…

Justine’s final moments

At 11.37pm, Justine was at home when she heard a woman screaming in the alley behind her house.

Alarmed, she called 911.

‘I’m not sure if she’s having sex or being raped,’ Justine told the operator.

While she waited for the police to arrive, Justine called Don.

The pair spoke on the phone until, finally, a squad car pulled up outside.

Ending the call, Justine listened as the car drove into the alley with the headlights turned off.

Officers Mohamed Noor and Matthew Harrity searched the area, but couldn’t see anything.

Moments later, they heard a voice…

Then, a loud noise.

Startled, Harrity drew his gun next to his ribcage. Then... Bang!