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Archived Press Releases 2008 30th April 2008

Family Frustration

(30th April 2008)

Kevin McNeil is the son of Lois Dear, the school teacher so brutally murdered in Tokoroa. Kevin says the recent murder of Marie Davis and other murders bring back the agony and trauma victims go through every time another offence happens. Kevin has chosen to go public with his feelings in the hope it may in some way make a difference to others.

Firstly would like to express my immediate thoughts regarding Marie Davis, her mum and family after seeing another family in mourning and frustration (re today's court appearance) at the offender friendly system toward their loved ones murderer.

Frustration comes to mind first and foremost - normal process, name suppression, things certainly haven't changed for homicide victims families, nor will it ever under the current system.

Remember, offenders, Kiddy Killers, Rapists, Murderers etc have more rights, disgusting I know, but so is our political regime that allows these heinous crimes to continue without a thought or care of how to stem the violence or issue harsher deterrents at the top of the cliff. Is it easier having others doing your dirty work at the bottom of the cliff?

Parliament is the highest Court in New Zealand , the time for Parliament to act is well overdue.

I only know this is normal process, my mother’s murderer also had name suppression. Time for a change and well over due, it is election year - will we see any change???

To Marie's mum and family - I am afraid your frustration with our gutless political and offender friendly system has only just begun.

I share your loss and can understand your anger, frustration, and all you are feeling, 18 months ago my mum was murdered and sexually violated. Dealing with this crime has certainly taken its toll on us as a family and today dealing with her murder is no easier than dealing with it the day after it happened, no one else will ever understand this though.

I say to your family be angry, frustrated, ask why and ask why again and again, our system is to blame take your anger and utter frustration out on the leaders of our nation that let these sort of unforgivable crimes be part of our daily culture, and use the media to do it. My thoughts are with you.

Regards,

Kevin McNeil
son of murdered Tokorora Primary School Teacher, Lois Dear
Email at kltz@xtra.co.nz