Corrections had requested police to assess the suitability of the woman’s address for the man to reside at.
Recently, Nathan Boulter, with a history of stalking and assaulting ex-partners, pleaded guilty to murdering a woman in Parklands, Christchurch. The victim had been briefly involved with Boulter before ending the relationship. Subsequently, he bombarded her with calls, stalked her, and ultimately attacked her with a hunting knife, inflicting 55 stab wounds as she returned home with her children.
Court documents revealed that Boulter and the victim had a short-lived relationship that ended in May. After being released from prison on July 7, Boulter listed the victim’s address, prompting police to be alerted by Corrections to assess its suitability.
The Integrated Safety Response (ISR) model, established in 2016, aims to provide immediate safety for victims and children while working with perpetrators to prevent further violence. However, the ISR team was not informed of Boulter’s relationship with the victim, hindering a proper risk assessment.
Police were not notified of the harassment the victim endured from Boulter, who made numerous threatening calls and messages. The victim took precautions, such as locking her gate and informing friends and family about the threats.
Corrections confirmed that Boulter was under release conditions at the time of the murder and is conducting a review into his management. Chief victims adviser Ruth Money emphasized the need for a systemic review to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
The woman’s death highlights the importance of effective communication and collaboration among agencies to identify and address risks posed by high-risk individuals. The tragic incident underscores the ongoing need for improvements in managing offenders to prevent such devastating outcomes.
