Jefferie Hill (2) was last seen on September 28, 1968, in Tokoroa, New Zealand. He was almost three years old when he vanished. Authorities assume that he drowned in the Matarawa Creek that ran behind his home. But, doubt remains. This is the Case of the Month for July 2020. Missing On Saturday, September 28, […]
New Zealand
Access to justice for children
Access to justice for children means that children, or their proper advocates where applicable, must be able to use and trust the legal system to protect their human rights. The Child Rights International Network (CRIN) is the first organization to publish a global overview to show how effectively children or their guardians can use the courts […]
Child abuse at Lake Alice
Child abuse at Lake Alice in New Zealand is one of the topics the Age reported about in 2008. “Disgraced former psychiatrist Selwyn Leeks” had lost his appeal against a former patient. Leeks had to pay $55’000 in damages for sexual assault. Leeks had been under investigation for using electric shock aversion therapy in the 70s […]
The Epuni Boys Home
The Epuni Boys Home in New Zealand was not a home at all. And just because you were in the care of the State did not mean that you were treated well. We saw in the previous post “Child Abuse in State Care” that some State Care Facilities were riddled with mismanagement, failing human resource standards, […]
Child Abuse in State Care
Child Abuse in State Care may not seem a logical topic to discuss on this blog where unsolved homicides and wrongful convictions dominate. However, criminal justice and human rights defense are my background. As such, it is a perfect fit. New Zealand is facing international scrutiny for widespread child abuse of children who were placed […]
The long-awaited review report of the Crewe Murders
The long-awaited review report of the Crewe Murders can be found here but it may not hold the answers to all the issues that we discussed here on my blog. If you open the first link you will see the website with a short clip on the review. Below is the report in parts or […]
Evidence in 1970 Crewe murders missing
Evidence in the 1970 double murders of Jeannette and Harvey Crewe is missing. Are you even surprised to read this? Or, did you expect this to happen? Regular readers of my blog know that I follow this case. Jeannette & Harvey Crewe were murdered in 1970, New Zealand. They left behind one child, Rochelle. While […]
The Crewe Murders: review or re-investigation?
The Crewe Murders: review or re-investigation? The New Zealand Herald reports about the latest efforts made to solve the 1970 Crewe Murders however, what they report worries me. “Arthur Allan Thomas has been re-interviewed by police investigating the 1970 murders of Harvey and Jeannette Crewe, one of New Zealand’s best-known unsolved crimes. Mr Thomas spent nine years […]
“All the Commissioner’s Men” by Chris Birt
“All the Commissioner’s Men” by Chris Birt is a book about the cold cases of Jeannette and Harvey Crewe. Their case is the reason for the wrongful conviction of Arthur Allen Thomas. Their only child Rochelle Crewe is calling for an independent review of her parents’ murder cases. The central word in this case seems to […]
Top cop asks public’s help in Crewe Murders
The New Zealand Herald brings fantastic news. Senior Detective Superintendent Andy Lovelock, who is reviewing the Crewe murders, wants the public’s help. He asks anyone with information to contact him. He wants to help find answers for their only child, Rochelle Crewe. I quote: “I am extremely keen to hear from anyone who may have information […]
Chris Birt on the Crewe Murders
In the magazine “North & South,” Chris Birt makes a strong case for an in-depth review of Len and Norma Thomas Demler’s involvement in the case. Note that Norma is not related to Arthur Allan Thomas. Strong ties have existed between the Demler and Thomas family for some time. The siblings in the family married each […]
R.I.P Vivien Harrison
Vivien Harrison, the ex-wife of Arthur Allen Thomas and staunch supporter of his innocence, died of cancer. “Harrison filed for divorce after Thomas’ guilty verdict remained in place after the second trial. She changed her name from Vivienne Thomas to Vivien Harrison. She remained a staunch supporter of his innocence, maintaining he was home with her at […]
No independent inquiry in Crewe Murders
Justice Minister Simon Power has turned down calls for an independent inquiry into the 40-year-old murder mystery of the Crewe Family. “In response, Mr Power said he understood the interest in seeking closure, but his hands were tied. Neither I nor my ministerial colleagues can direct the police to reopen the case. Due to the constitutional separation […]
Did a cop murder the Crewes?
Author Ian Wishart has named Detective Sergeant Len Johnston as suspect in the murders of Harvey and Jeannette Crewe. Johnston was a detective who played a pivotal role in the police investigation into their deaths. Johnston passed away in 1978. The accusation has created an uproar amongst those who knew Johnston personally and professionally. It has also sparked a bitter attack […]