The mother of an American PhD student who was killed by a group of teengars with a machete says while they will one day be able to move on with their lives, her family has a life sentence.
Carole Whorrall said she was releived at the verdicts.
"Kyle was a brilliant young American with a bright future, who came to New Zealand to chase his passion as an entomologist studying local beetles.
"Already holding two degrees and working hard on his PhD, he was a beloved son, brother, nephew, cousin, colleague, and friend. He came here to make a real difference in the world, not to become a statistic, and our focus is entirely on honoring his amazing life."
Kyle Whorrall
Supplied
Whorrall said while the justice system moved its focus to sentencing, her family faced a tough future.
"The people who did this will eventually move on from their legal troubles, but for us, the grief of losing Kyle is a life sentence with no possibility of parole."
She paid tribute to her son's friends and flatmates who sat beside her through out the High Court trial.
A fifth teen pleaded guilty to murder and aggravated robbery before the trial.
Kyle Whorrall
Supplied
Source: RNZ · RNZ | Te Reo Irirangi o Aotearoa
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