New Zealand Woman Accused of Murdering Mother Amid Crypto Investment Scandal

According to Cointelegraph, Julia DeLuney, a 53-year-old New Zealander, faces accusations of murdering her 79-year-old mother, Helen Gregory, after allegedly funneling her money into cryptocurrency investments. The case has drawn significant attention due to the financial complexities and familial betrayal involved. Gregory, who reportedly distrusted banks, kept her savings hidden in plastic packets around her home. Following a hospitalization in September 2023, DeLuney and her husband stayed at Gregory's residence, which led to suspicions when Gregory returned to find her home in disarray and money missing. Cheryl Thomson, a friend of Gregory, testified in court that NZD $51,000 ($30,000) had vanished, with Gregory asserting that DeLuney was the only person aware of the hidden funds. DeLuney, currently under electronically monitored bail, allegedly confessed to investing approximately NZD $45,000 in cryptocurrency. The situation escalated when Gregory was found dead in January 2024, shortly after receiving an email from DeLuney claiming substantial profits from the crypto investment, amounting to over NZD $160,000. DeLuney reportedly requested NZD $18,000 for withdrawal fees and tax liabilities, which experts later identified as part of a scam. Financial analyst Eric Huang presented evidence showing DeLuney's financial records indicated excessive spending on crypto investments, totaling NZD $93,000 between January 2023 and January 2024. During this period, DeLuney received over NZD $55,000 from friends and family, primarily from her parents. By January 2024, her investments were nearly NZD $41,000 in deficit. Prosecutors allege that DeLuney murdered her mother, staged the scene to resemble an accidental fall from the attic, and returned later with her husband. Inconsistencies in her account led police to investigate the death as manslaughter. Detective Sergeant Giulia Boffa, under cross-examination by defense lawyer Quentin Duff, highlighted discrepancies in DeLuney's narrative, including changes in clothing and unexplained travel. A forensic sweep of Gregory's home revealed bloodstains and clumps of hair inconsistent with a fall, further supporting the prosecution's case. The trial continues to unfold, shedding light on the tragic intersection of familial trust and financial deception.