New Zealand Woman Kills Mother and Stealing Funds for Crypto Investments

A woman in New Zealand was caught killing her elderly mother after stealing thousands of dollars from her mother to invest in cryptocurrencies leading up to the crime.

The defendant Julia Deluney, a 53-year-old former teacher, was struggling with financial troubles at the time of her mother's death and spent most of her time trading cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin.

According to The New Zealand Herald, an analysis of DeLuney's bank accounts suggested she could not cover her expenses without large cash deposits, raising red flags about the source and use of her income.

Testimony from Close Friends

The friends of victim also testified on court that just days before her tragic murder, 79-year-old Helen Gregory was complaining to her friends how her daughter has stolen up to NZD 85,000 from her.

One of Gregory's friends, Cheryl Thomson testified that Gregory had told her that the money she had hidden at home had vanished.

"She told me categorically, without a doubt, that the only person who knew that the money was there was Julia."

Thomson noted that Gregory seemed upset that her daughter took the money without asking her and claiming that she used the money to invest in crypto.

Gregory reportedly confronted her daughter, who responded, “It’s all safe mum, don’t worry,” in reference to the investment.

Another friend, Elizabeth Askin, testified that the estimated amount taken was between NZD 75,000 and NZD 76,000.

Forensic Analysis Highlights Financial Patterns

Forensic accountant Eric Huang testified that between January 2023 and January 2024, DeLuney transferred NZD 156,555 from her bank accounts to various cryptocurrency platforms.

Of these funds, only NZD 88,173 was returned or accessible, leaving a shortfall of NZD 68,382.

Huang’s report indicated DeLuney’s main income sources were crypto withdrawals, cash deposits totaling NZD 74,850, and NZD 45,000 in bank transfers from her mother.

He told the court DeLuney relied on depositing cash to meet her spending needs but clarified under cross-examination that his analysis did not assess the performance of her crypto investments.

Helen Gregory died on January 24, 2024, at her Khandallah home near Wellington, in what DeLuney claims was a fall from the attic.

DeLuney’s defense team argues that police developed “tunnel vision” in targeting her as the primary suspect and contends that a different individual could have entered the home and committed the crime during a 90-minute window when DeLuney left to seek help after her mother’s apparent fall.