Family of Khasha Smith to hold candlelit vigil for Edinburgh mum presumed dead

A candlelit vigil is to be held for a missing Edinburgh mum who is now presumed to be dead by police.

Khasha Smith disappeared on October 10, 2023. Almost 11 months later John Byrne, 39, was charged - though her body is yet to be found, reports the Daily Record.

A memorial will be held on October 3 in a park near her home. It has been described as a private family event.

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Khasha's devastated aunt Carrie Duke said: "We would like to invite family and friends of Khasha to come together for a candle-lit vigil and a show of love to her memory.

"The vigil will begin at 6pm on Thursday 3rd October at the bandstand within Saughton Park walled garden. We will have a memory book there for anyone who wishes to share their favourite story or leave a message.

"This is a private family event and we would ask that our privacy be respected, although, we would like to invite all who knew her to help us honour her memory."

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After months of enquiries by police, specialist officers were seen searching near Khasha's home at Edinburgh's Calder Grove earlier in September. An investigative team was seen combing through shrubbery near Union Canal.

Just days later detectives investigating the disappearance arrested a man. John Byrne was charged with the murder of Khasha and with an attempt to defeat the ends of justice as he appeared at Edinburgh Sheriff Court on September 9.

Byrne, of Edinburgh, made no plea or declaration. The case was committed for further examination and Byrne was remanded in custody.

Khasha's brave teenage daughter Calley previously appealed directly to the public in March, alongside her grandmother, to help bring her mum home. The 18-year-old described how she was "living the worst dream".

In a heartbreaking statement, Calley said: “I recently had my 18th birthday and didn’t hear anything from my mum. She would never miss my birthday, my sisters’ birthdays, or Christmas. It’s just not her."

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Detective Chief Inspector Bob Williamson, of Police Scotland's Major Investigation Team, continues to appeal to the public for information.

He said earlier this month: "Our thoughts remain with Khasha's family at this extremely difficult time and they continue to be supported by specialist officers. They are understandably devastated and it is vital we get answers for them.

"Extensive enquiries remain ongoing to trace Khasha and I would again encourage anyone with any information regarding her disappearance to contact police, as a matter of urgency. Any piece of information, no matter how small or insignificant you think it is, could prove vital, so please get in touch.”