A Mother's Heartbreak: The Tragic Death of a Gang Member and the Aftermath

In a shocking and tragic incident that unfolded in late 2023, Te Waiariki Grace, a 25-year-old woman from Hamilton, was found guilty of manslaughter after fatally stabbing her Mongrel Mob partner, Te Reo Wickliffe-Heta, during a violent domestic dispute. The incident, which took place in the early hours of December 30, 2023, has left a family reeling and has sparked a broader conversation about domestic violence and self-defense.

The story begins with a birthday celebration at Grace's home in Hamilton, where Wickliffe-Heta was present. The night took a dark turn when the pair began arguing, escalating into a physical confrontation. Grace, feeling threatened, eventually left the scene, but Wickliffe-Heta returned later that night in a highly agitated state, pounding on the back door of Grace’s house. Concerned about potential damage, she opened the door, only for the situation to spiral further into violence.

"I feel so much anger that I don't know what to do with it most days," said Tina, Wickliffe-Heta’s mother, during Grace's sentencing. "He was taken from me in an incident that could have been avoided."

According to the court, the altercation escalated quickly. Wickliffe-Heta, who was on bail for a previous charge of attempting to strangle Grace, began beating her. In a desperate attempt to protect herself, Grace fought back, using a metal chair and eventually resorting to self-defense when Wickliffe-Heta grabbed her by the leg and dragged her to the doorstep. As the confrontation continued, Grace armed herself with two large kitchen knives and, during a scuffle, fatally stabbed Wickliffe-Heta in the chest, piercing his heart and liver.

Despite the violent nature of the incident, the court acknowledged that Grace had been the victim of persistent aggression throughout their relationship. Justice Grant Powell noted that Grace had suffered a brain injury from a car crash two months prior, which may have impacted her responses during the altercation. However, he emphasized that the court had to balance the severity of the crime with Grace's circumstances and the fact that she had no prior criminal history.

In the end, Justice Powell reduced Grace’s sentence from 20 months in prison to 10 months of home detention, citing her guilty plea, youth discount, and the lack of risk of reoffending. This decision has been met with mixed reactions, with some arguing that it sends the wrong message about domestic violence, while others see it as a fair recognition of Grace’s actions under extreme duress.

Tina, Wickliffe-Heta’s mother, has continued to struggle with the loss of her son, expressing deep sorrow and anger at the fact that the person responsible for his death was his own partner. "I feel sad that my son has been made to look like a monster. He's the one who is not here today," she said, highlighting the emotional toll that the incident has taken on her family.

As the court case comes to a close, the story of Te Waiariki Grace and Te Reo Wickliffe-Heta serves as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of domestic violence and the complex nature of self-defense in such situations. It also underscores the need for greater awareness and support for individuals in abusive relationships.

Resources for those affected by domestic violence:

• Women’s Refuge: 0800 733 843
• It's Not OK: 0800 456 450
• Shine: 0508 744 633
• Victim Support: 0800 842 846
• HELP Call: 24/7 (Auckland): 09 623 1700, (Wellington): 04 800 842 846
• Emergency: 111