Life Sentence for Daughter in Brutal Murder of Elderly Mother

Wellington, New Zealand — Julia DeLuney has been sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum non-parole period of 18 years for the brutal murder of her mother, Helen Gregory, a 79-year-old woman. The sentencing took place at the High Court in Wellington on Friday afternoon, following her conviction for the crime in July.

Justice Peter Churchman presided over the sentencing and emphasized that there were no mitigating factors in the case. The judge stated that the sentence was determined based on aggravating factors, including the vulnerability of the victim due to her age and the fact that the attack occurred in her own home.

According to the court, the attack on Helen Gregory was described as callous, brutal, and cruel, leaving her with 75 separate injuries, including 11 cuts to her head, two skull fractures, and a brain bleed. One blow was so forceful that it produced blood spatter 'similar to a gunshot wound,' according to evidence from ESR scientist Glenys Knight.

During the pre-sentence report, DeLuney claimed to have a successful cryptocurrency portfolio, despite evidence showing her financial struggles. The court noted her denial of the crime and the anguish it caused to Gregory's family and friends.

Victim impact statements provided during the sentencing highlighted the emotional toll on the family, including a 'genuine fear' for their safety and the stress of the prolonged court process. The family expressed deep sorrow and anger over the senseless violence that took their loved one.

DeLuney's lawyer, Quentin Duff, had argued for a non-parole period of 17 years, while the Crown recommended 18 years. Justice Churchman ultimately agreed with the Crown's recommendation, stating that the severity of the crime and the vulnerability of the victim warranted the maximum penalty under the law.

This case has sparked a broader conversation about the safety of elderly individuals in their own homes and the need for stronger legal protections for vulnerable victims. Many legal experts have called for increased awareness and resources to prevent such tragedies in the future.

As the sentence is carried out, the family of Helen Gregory has expressed their hope that the justice system will continue to prioritize the protection of the elderly and the pursuit of justice for victims of violent crimes.