The grieving friend of a Lanarkshire woman whose body was discovered by police probing a double death earlier this month has been left heartbroken by her pal's "horrendous" killing.
Emma Baillie, 26, was found dead within a property in Coatbridge's Calder Street on April 12.
Police Scotland launched an investigation into her death and that of 51-year-old, John Paul Duffy, whose body was found in a flat on nearby Coats Streets two days earlier.
A man has since appeared at Airdrie Sheriff Court charged with the murders of Emma and John Paul.
Devastated Caroline MacDonald, 25, first met Emma when the pair were just eight-years-old and in care together.
They went on to share a flat for two years as young adults, before Emma moved into her own home when she had a baby boy in 2019.
Caroline said: "Emma was like my sister. I was in care with her for nine years and she took me under her wing. When we left the system we lived together for two years.
"She was also close to my sister and even though she had her own wee boy, she became like an auntie to my nieces and nephews.
"Emma was my best friend and she lost her life in the most horrendous way. She didn't deserve any of this."
Caroline also told how Emma, who "never had an easy time" always remained upbeat and was a "light in many lives".
She added: "Emma had it hard, growing up in care, but she always grabbed life by the horns and gave it her best shot.
"She had her troubles, but she never let anything get her down or get in her way.
"Emma lost her mum and a few other members of her close family in recent years. She basically lost everyone close to her.
"She never had an easy time. It affected her, but she was still the happiest, kindest and bubbliest soul ever.
"She was the life and soul of the party and the brightest smile in the room with the biggest, most infectious laugh ever.
"Emma was a light in many peoples lives. That's how I want everyone to remember her."
Peter Duffy, 46, faced two charges of murder in connection with the deaths of Emma Baillie and John Paul Duffy when he appeared in court on April 16.
He did not enter a plea and was committed for further examination and remanded in custody.
Friends of Emma's have now launched a fundraising page to help pay for her funeral and Caroline hopes to give Emma a send off that celebrates her friend's remarkable attitude to life.
She added: "I hope that we can show everyone the way we want to remember Emma. She should be remembered that way, not the way she was taken away from us."
Anyone wishing to donate can find the page here.
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