Christchurch stalking murder case

The story so far

A 36-year-old man pleaded guilty in the Christchurch High Court to murdering a woman in Parklands in July.^{13 Nov 2025; 12, 17 Dec 2025} Court documents say he stabbed her 55 times in front of her children, after a period of stalking in which he reportedly phoned her 581 times in under two weeks.^{13, 14 Nov 2025} He has a history of violence, including a 2012 kidnapping conviction and past stalking and assaults on ex-partners.^{13, 14 Nov 2025} The chief victims advisor said the justice system is not equipped to handle obsessive, manipulative repeat offenders like him.^{14 Nov 2025} A specialist family violence unit was reportedly unaware of the relationship or his history of stalking her.^{14 Nov 2025}

Latest

Family have paid tribute to the 37-year-old woman, and the man is expected to be sentenced in February. Her name was made public after name suppression was lifted.^{12, 17 Dec 2025}

What's next

He is expected to be sentenced in February.^{12, 17 Dec 2025}

Key moments

1. 13 Nov 2025Man pleads guilty to murdering Christchurch woman in High Court.
2. 13 Nov 2025Court documents reveal woman stabbed 55 times in front of children.
3. 14 Nov 2025Chief victims advisor says justice system failing high-risk offenders.
4. 14 Nov 2025Family violence unit unaware of relationship and stalking history.
5. 21 Nov 2025Man investigated four years earlier over rape allegation involving a 15-year-old.
6. 12 Dec 2025Name suppression lifted for victim; sentencing set for February.

Written from the stories below; each sentence links to its sources.