Armed Intruder Poses as Jehovah’s Witness, Robs Terminally Ill Man

A man in Rotorua, New Zealand, was the victim of an armed robbery after a perpetrator disguised himself as a Jehovah’s Witness to gain access to his home. The intruder, identified as Peter George Junior Laupama, not only stole money and medication but also attempted to force the victim into labor.

The Incident

On November 14, 2023, the victim, a man suffering from a terminal heart condition, answered a knock at his door. When he inquired who was there, a voice responded, “Jehovah’s Witnesses.” However, this was a deception. Laupama then kicked open the door and brandished a firearm at the victim.

Laupama stole a bag containing the victim’s essential heart medication and $200 in cash. He then demanded the victim work for him, stating, “You are to start working for me. You will produce me $900 per week. You are coming with me.” He also demanded the victim’s car keys, threatening “a few punches” before returning the vehicle.

Despite the threats, the victim requested his medication, to which Laupama responded with obscenities. However, the bag containing the medication was ultimately returned without anything removed. Laupama then ordered the victim to accompany him in the car, but the victim seized an opportunity to escape and fled to a neighbor’s house.

Arrest and Initial Trial

Police were called to the scene, and Laupama fled in the victim’s car, which was later found abandoned nearby. The following day, the victim spotted Laupama in a Rotorua bar, Crates N Cues, and alerted the police, leading to Laupama’s arrest. Tragically, the victim died one month later.

Laupama initially pleaded not guilty to aggravated robbery, and the case went to trial in the Rotorua District Court. Judge Joanne Wickliffe initially found the victim’s pre-death identification of Laupama to be reliable. However, she ruled that Laupama did not intend to permanently deprive the man of his vehicle, as he indicated a conditional return upon fulfilling certain demands, and therefore the charge was not proven.

High Court Appeal and Final Verdict

The Crown appealed the decision to the High Court, arguing that the judge’s interpretation of “permanent deprivation” was incorrect. Justice Michele Wilkinson-Smith agreed, ruling that an intent to take property with the condition of its return upon an unfairly imposed requirement constituted a permanent deprivation.

The case was sent back to the District Court for reconsideration. On February 10th, Judge Wickliffe, after hearing further submissions, determined that Laupama did intend to permanently deprive the victim of his vehicle unless his conditions were met. Laupama was subsequently found guilty of aggravated robbery and remanded in custody awaiting sentencing on June 9th.

Sources

Sunlive.co.nz, Newstalkzb.co.nz