Jamie Slater Found Responsible for Murdering Whatitiri Whakaruru at Hāwera Accommodation Complex

A night of casual fun at a Hāwera boarding complex turned tragic when Jamie Slater, also known as Jamie Shippey, fatally stabbed Whatitiri Whakaruru, 26, with a chef’s knife. Slater has now been found responsible for the murder in a High Court hearing in New Plymouth, and is being detained as a special patient in a psychiatric hospital due to his mental health issues.

A Tragic Night of 'No Dramas'

The incident occurred on April 22 last year at an accommodation complex on Gladstone Street in Hāwera, South Taranaki. The evening had started peacefully, with guests playing table tennis and pool in the recreational area, enjoying drinks and laughter. However, the mood shifted dramatically when Slater, who had been in his room, re-entered the communal area and attacked Whakaruru.

CCTV footage showed Slater walking with Whakaruru and others, shaking hands, and appearing to be part of the group. Minutes later, Slater returned to the kitchen, grabbed a knife, and rushed toward Whakaruru, stabbing him in the chest. The wound was fatal, passing through his heart. Despite immediate emergency response, Whakaruru was pronounced dead at the scene.

A Heartbroken Family

Whatitiri Whakaruru’s family described the loss as “excruciating.” His mother spoke to the court, saying, “My baby boy is never coming back. From this day, my life will always be shattered and damaged.” His sisters also delivered victim impact statements, expressing their grief and anger at Slater, who they called a “lowlife, cold-hearted coward.” They felt the justice system had failed them by allowing Slater to avoid accountability despite his history.

The family emphasized that Slater’s mental health issues did not justify his actions. “They do not justify your actions,” one sister said. “You were aware of your actions and simply did not care.”

Legal and Mental Health Considerations

At the recent hearing, Justice Peter Churchman acknowledged the family’s pain and frustration. He ruled that there was sufficient evidence to confirm Slater’s responsibility for the murder. Based on a forensic psychiatrist’s report, Slater was found to have significant behavioral and cognitive deficits, including impulsivity and emotional dysregulation. He posed a high risk to himself and others, and was assessed as a “significantly elevated” risk of reoffending.

As a result, Slater was ordered to be detained as a special patient in a psychiatric hospital. The decision was made following a review by the Minister of Health, who will determine the duration of the detention.

A System Faced with Tragedy

The case highlights the challenges of the justice system in dealing with complex mental health cases. While the court found Slater responsible, the family feels it was not enough. Justice Churchman noted that for the Whakaruru family, “it will be of little consolation,” but that the system must handle such cases in a specific way.

The tragedy has left a deep and lasting wound on the Whakaruru family, who now face a life without their beloved son, brother, and cousin. Whatitiri Whakaruru’s legacy will live on in the memories of those who loved him, but the pain of his loss will remain a part of their lives forever.