Killer Beez Gang Boss Joshua Masters Found Guilty of Child Endangerment After Dangerous Auckland Ride

Joshua James Masters, the leader of the Killer Beez gang, has been found guilty of child endangerment following a reckless and dangerous ride on a quad bike down State Highway 1 in Auckland. The incident, which occurred in December 2023, involved two children aged 10 and 12 who were placed in front and behind Masters on the quad bike’s single seat. Both children were wearing helmets, but no other protective gear, while Masters himself was not wearing a helmet and had only a motorcycle learner’s licence.

The ride, which covered 43 kilometers from Warkworth to the Oteha Valley Rd offramp, was marked by several near-misses and dangerous maneuvers. According to court documents, Masters accelerated to approximately 100 km/h on the motorway, overtaking heavy trucks and other vehicles in the slow lane. The quad bike, which was not roadworthy and lacked essential safety features, had no working indicators, handholds, or footrests for passengers. A post-arrest inspection confirmed that the vehicle would not have passed a warrant of fitness test.

Authorities noted that all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) are unsafe for use at high speeds on sealed roads due to their different steering configuration and tire setup. The New Zealand Transport Agency prohibits ATVs from exceeding 30 km/h on sealed surfaces. Masters’ inability to control the quad bike led to several near-collisions, including a moment when he came within a meter of side-swiping another vehicle near the Ōkahu Viaduct.

Police decided to arrest Masters rather than issue a citation, citing the severity of the situation. The charges of reckless driving and ill treatment of children carry significant penalties, with the latter potentially resulting in a 10-year prison sentence. Masters’ sentencing hearing has been adjourned multiple times, with the latest hearing resetting to November. His lawyer requested the adjournment to allow time for finding suitable housing that would enable home detention, but the judge warned that this would be the last delay.

Masters, who has been paralysed from the waist down since a 2018 shooting, has been associated with the Killer Beez since the early 2000s. He has led the gang through a period of significant growth and expansion, despite facing legal challenges, including a lengthy prison sentence for methamphetamine trafficking. The incident has once again highlighted the dangers of gang-related activities and the risks posed by individuals in positions of power who fail to prioritize the safety of others.

With the sentencing hearing set for November, the case continues to draw attention from the public and legal community. It serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of reckless behavior and the importance of enforcing road safety laws, particularly when minors are involved.