Axe murderer to be released after 14 years behind bars

File photo / Richard Robinson

A man serving a life sentence for the brutal axe-murder, and attempted murder, of a Christchurch couple in 1995 will be released on parole next month.

Ronald Joseph Krynen, 34, was found guilty in July 1996 of the murder of Bishopdale man Bernard Dell and the attempted murder of Mr Dell's wife, Denise, at their home on August 19, 1995.

He appeared before the Parole Board on March 17.

In its decision released today, the board said Krynen's latest psychological report assessed him as of low/moderate risk and he had "done well recently".

At the 1996 court hearing before a jury the Crown said Krynen, 20 at the time of trial, entered the Dells' house wearing camouflage trousers and with his face painted with camouflage paint, wielding an axe.

He attacked both Mr and Mrs Dell after Mrs Dell answered his knock at the door. Mr Dell died from repeated blows to his head and body and Mrs Dell received life-threatening injuries.

The court was told Krynen had a psychiatric history.

Krynen denied the charges.

At his sentencing, a judge in the High Court at Christchurch ordered Krynen to serve at least 12-and-a-half years in prison before he was eligible for parole.

The Parole Board said he would be released on both standard and special conditions, including not having contact with the victims of his offending and completing a reintegration programme.

He would be released to an address, withheld by the board.

- NZPA