Jonty Douglas, 26, died at a South Auckland property in August 2022.
Jonty Douglas, 26, died at a South Auckland property in August 2022.
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The family of Jonty Douglas - fatally stabbed by stranger Jason Timoti - have spoken of his killing and the tragic aftermath that continues to haunt the whānau.
Last week, on the eve of his murder trial, Timoti pleaded guilty to manslaughter. Timoti, 35, appeared in the Auckland High Court and admitted to causing the death of 26-year-old apprentice builder Douglas just over one year ago. Timoti was remanded in custody for sentencing.
Douglas’ sister Patreece Douglas said the past 12 months have been hell.
Victim Jonty Douglas' parents Grant and Felicia. Grant died five months after Jonty was killed.
“Jonty was killed on August 18, and five months later, on January 18, dad passed away. We all know that dad passed from a broken heart,” Patreece, 34, said.
“Dad was never the same after Jonty was killed and we are trying to come to terms with the tragedy of losing Jonty, a brother, uncle, mate and also our dad.
“I truly believe that in my heart of hearts.”
Police found Douglas with critical injuries at an Ōtāhuhu address about 8pm on August 18, 2022.
Jonty Douglas was stabbed to death by Joshua Timoti.
He had been helping a workmate move a couch and came across Timoti in a neighbouring driveway.
Douglas’ family say he overheard an argument and intervened.
Timoti is believed to have disappeared into his house and grabbed a knife. Douglas and his mate went back to moving the couch.
It is understood Timoti saw Douglas in the drive and they scuffled. Douglas’ mate came outside and overpowered Timoti as Douglas stumbled a few metres then collapsed and died.
An agreed summary of facts will be presented to the court at Timoti’s sentencing.
“We have been told Jonty was stabbed just once but that was still brutal,” Patreece said.
“Jonty was a gentle giant and would help anyone. He was soft-hearted and so kind and it was understandable that he would be trying to help someone else when he was killed.
“The friend found Jonty on the ground gasping for his last breath.”
Patreece, a mum of four, said her faith - the whānau are Destiny Church members - has helped her mum through the tragedies.
“It was hard enough losing Jonty but then to lose dad a few months later, that has been tough on all the whānau,” Patreece said.
“Jonty was the youngest of four of us and was a twin, the baby of our family.”
Patreece, who has whakapapa to Ngāti Kahu Mangamuka and Maketu, as well as Ngāti Pākehā from her dad’s side, said she has forgiven Timoti for killing her brother.
“I have two weeks to write a victim statement, which I can deliver in court,” Patreece said.
“In my heart, I know that if I don’t forgive Joshua for what he has done, I will be a bitter and angry person and that’s not the type of people we are. We carry the hurt and I miss my baby brother.
“I don’t think Joshua cares if I forgive him or not but he has a mum, he’s someone’s son, he has kids.
“How will they feel knowing their dad is a killer. I pray for them.”
Patreece said the justice system was upside down and seemed more worried about Timoti’s welfare than Jonty’s family.
“There is so much support for him and his mental capability but what about my mum, who has lost her husband and her child. What about my bother, who is struggling, as is Jonty’s twin.
“Where is the support for our whānau?”
“I know I have peace in me but I have four children to look after, a mum to look after as well. Where is our compassion from the system?”
Joseph Los’e joined NZME in 2022 as Kaupapa Māori Editor. Los’e was a chief reporter, news director at the Sunday News newspaper covering crime, justice and sport. He was also editor of the NZ Truth and prior to joining NZME worked for 12 years for Te Whānau o Waipareira.
