Teen that murdered a schoolgirl and left her half naked in a creek could be released from jail early

Teen who bashed schoolgirl unconscious before strangling her, ripping off her clothes and leaving her face-down in a creek to drown could be back on the streets within MONTHS

  • Liberty Templeman, 15 was found dead at Kerikeri in New Zealand in 2008
  • Her killer, Hermanus Theodorus Kriel, could be released from jail in November
  • He is eligible for parole after serving more than a decade of his life sentence
  • Liberty’s family are collecting evidence to try and keep him behind bars 

The family of a schoolgirl who was bashed unconscious and left to die half-naked in a creek are fearful her killer could be released within months. 

The body of 15-year-old Liberty Templeman was found in the Wairoa stream at Kerikeri on New Zealand’s North Island on November 1, 2008.

Her killer, now 26-year-old Hermanus Theodorus Kriel, was sentenced to life in prison after being found guilty of murdering and indecently assaulting the schoolgirl, affectionately known as Libby, in a trial by jury in 2010.

But having served more than a decade of his sentence, he could walk free after November if the parole board decides to release him. 

The body of 15-year-old Liberty Templeman was found in the Wairoa stream at Kerikeri on New Zealand’s North Island on November 1, 2008

The victim’s family are hoping to gather evidence that would see him remain behind bars. 

Kriel was refused an early release in May after fronting the parole board for the first time since being jailed.

Board Chairperson Sir Ron Young deemed he was still an ‘undue risk’ after consideration of the facts laid out during the trial and a further conversation with Kriel.  

He noted the young offender showed remorse over the event but stated it was impossible to determine the exact circumstances surrounding the crime.

Her killer, now 26-year-old Hermanus Theodorus Kriel, (pictured) was sentenced to life in prison after being found guilty of murder and indecent assault in 2010

Her killer, now 26-year-old Hermanus Theodorus Kriel, (pictured) was sentenced to life in prison after being found guilty of murder and indecent assault in 2010

‘It is not entirely certain what then happened. Mr Kriel provided several different versions at the time of the offending,’ Sir Young said.

He also found there were inconsistencies around accusations the crime had been sexually motivated.

While the offender denied having made any sexual remarks to Libby, her family insisted he had asked her out on a date and made overtly sexual comments to her.

The parole board has asked the family to gather any evidence they have that Kriel’s sexual interest in their daughter may have played a part in her killing.

Authorities are hoping anyone connected to the events could provide details to clarify the matter ahead of the November hearing. 

‘The existence or otherwise of that information will to a degree further inform the psychologist’s approach to Mr Kriel as well as our approach to his risk,’ Sir Young said. 

The parole board advised the offender had completed eight sessions with a psychologist and a safety plan has been prepared and approved for his potential release.

Kriel was only 14 years old when he was arrested over the murder.

The family of slain schoolgirl Liberty Templeman (pictured) are hoping to give evidence to the New Zealand Parole board which would keep their daughter's killer behind bars

The family of slain schoolgirl Liberty Templeman (pictured) are hoping to give evidence to the New Zealand Parole board which would keep their daughter’s killer behind bars

Despite being found guilty by a jury, the young offender denied killing Libby – telling the court at the time it was a ‘terrible accident’.

The two left a friend’s house together to head back to the township of Kerikeri after a barbecue. 

Kriel told the court Libby had slipped and fallen on wet rocks they were walking on in the river.

He claimed the two then had an argument and began punching each other – resulting in Libby falling again and being rendered unconscious. 

Krield claimed he then panicked and dragged her into the stream, tearing off her clothes so it looked like she had been raped.

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