The aunt of slain woman Chrissy Predham Newman says the acquittal of the only suspect, Ray Newman, is a great miscarriage of justice.

Donna Harvey reacted emotionally to the news in Newfoundland and Labrador Surpeme Court Wednesday, shouting at Predham Newman's estranged husband, "I hope you rot."

"To hear that — it was just a major slap in the face, like, 'Oh, you're free to walk,'" she told CBC News Thursday.

Harvey then collapsed and had to be brought to the hospital.

The following day, she said she was calm and regretted her outburst.

"Something came over me, it was like it wasn't even me speaking," she remembered. "When I looked at him I saw Chrissy's face and I just lashed out."

She said she was feeling overwhelmed, angry and helpless — as she was expecting to see Ray Newman go to trial, not walk out the door a free man.

"Time stood still when they said he was acquitted, everything stopped," she said.

Miscarriage of justice

Harvey is confused by the outcome and doesn't understand why evidence collected against Ray Newman was tossed out.

"I feel it's a great miscarriage of justice," she said.

Judge James Adams strongly criticized the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary, saying they had violated Newman's rights.

This led to key evidence being deemed inadmissible, including a blood spot in Newman's car and an interview with the suspect conducted by police shortly after the murder.

Harvey describes the legal system as overcautious and lays the blame there, rather than on police.

"I think a lot of it is, honestly, a load of crap," she said, adding that she thinks the RNC did an "exemplary job."

Harvey still hopes the appeal will lead to a trial, but says that no matter what happens, she will keep talking about her niece, showing pictures and making sure no one forgets.

She's also planning a vigil, and wants to release balloons in Chrissy's memory — purple ones, to represent all abused women.