'We'll fight for you' - Mother won't rest until she gets justice

Luke Tipene was killed after he intervened in a fight at a Grey Lynn party. Photo / Supplied via Facebook

The mother of slain teenager Luke Tipene has made a heartfelt promise at her son's Far North graveside, telling him she won't rest until she gets justice.

Just hours after sitting through a two-week trial detailing the violent final moments of her treasured son's life, mum Terry Wilson yesterday headed north to the burial site where 17-year-old Luke lay next to his father Chris overlooking 90 Mile Beach.

The jury could not decide if 17-year-old Vincent Angene Skeen murdered the rising league star, fatally stabbed with a bottle as he intervened in a fight at a Grey Lynn party last November.

Family spokesperson Sean Wilson said his sister had left Auckland for the weekend to be close to Luke and reassure him she would continue to fight for justice.

"I think she'll just want to talk to Luke and say, 'we'll fight for you, we'll get the justice you deserve'."

"She's lost a bit part of her life and I think she wanted to say she's always there for him ."

Wilson said his sister was still mourning the loss of her son 10 months after his tragic death.

"It feels like a bad dream to her. She's still waiting for him to come back.

"There are no words to describe it - it's been traumatic - and she's still grieving."

The lack of a decision meant the family would have to prepare for reliving the events over again at a second trial.

In the meantime they would be focusing on next month's unveiling of Luke's headstone at the picturesque hilltop burial site.

Wilson said the ceremony would focus on celebrating the talented teen's life.

"He was an outgoing young man with a lot of potential who was on the verge of becoming a superstar in rugby league and we need to celebrate that."

The headstone would feature a special tile adorned with messages in remembrance of Luke penned by close family and friends.

Wilson said his sister wanted to thank everyone who had stood with her whanau throughout last week's trial.