A man who was found not guilty of murder by reason of insanity more than 20 years ago has killed again, prompting serious questions about New Zealand’s mental health system.
After his first killing, he was detained as a special patient but later released into the community under a Community Treatment Order. He was recently found not guilty of a second murder—stabbing someone he believed was “possessed”—again by reason of insanity.
The High Court judge ruled that the man was severely mentally ill and delusional at the time of the killing, with contributing factors including cannabis use and a recent hospital release. An external review of his care is now underway.
Justice Karen Grau declined permanent name suppression, citing significant public interest in understanding how someone under mental health supervision was able to kill again. The court acknowledged systemic failings in monitoring and care, with the victim’s family expressing disbelief and grief.
Psychiatrists confirmed that while the man can appear well when medicated, he presents an ongoing risk and may struggle to reintegrate into ordinary life due to stigma. According to state-funded media, Mental Health Minister Matt Doocey has received limited information under the “no surprises” principle, while Health NZ is conducting a review.
Image credit: Syarafina Yusof
The person(s) who signed that Community Treatment Order should be charged with accessory to murder.
They’re gonna have more excuses than OJ Simpson
“External review of his care???”
There is no specific or targeted ‘care’…
Only more drugs and medications thrown at the patients and perpetrators of serious criminal activity who are locked-up!
Anyone who commits murder or grievous bodily harm, and found to be ‘insane’ should NEVER be released from a high security mental institution…OH…I FORGOT…
NZ barely has any of these…Facilities…or the review processes.
Once ‘insane’, ALWAYS INSANE!!!
Now…TAKE YOUR SERAX, ZOLOFT AND RITALIN!!!
Health NZ conducting a review ,how could anyone ever trust those low lives look how many people they are mameing and killing with the poisonous VAXX.
Under funding for healthcare in NZ, a basic human need and right, is longstanding and inexcusable. Yet people keep voting mainstream and the problem is ignored.
Make mental asylums’ great again