Auckland man Sergio Frederico Williams, 36, has been found guilty of murdering his 70-year-old flatmate Herbert Bradley, after a deadly altercation in their shared apartment.
Williams claimed self-defense, stating Bradley had lunged at him with a knife during a dispute over his prolonged stay. Despite Williams’ claims, the jury concluded after nine hours of deliberation that his actions—inflicting three stab wounds, including a fatal neck injury—exceeded reasonable force.
Bradley’s family were present in the public gallery.
Williams will face sentencing on March 11.
The trial revealed tensions in the Upper Queen St flat after Bradley, a man described as kind and hospitable, asked Williams to leave. Testimony from a co-defendant turned prosecution witness highlighted the chaotic struggle but left questions about the exact sequence of events.
The Crown focused on Williams’ failure to aid Bradley as he bled to death, arguing it underscored intent rather than a tragic accident. Ultimately, evidence of excessive force, including the depth and nature of the wounds swayed the jury to convict Williams of murder.
