Peach had lured Downey into his Upper Riccarton flat under the pretense of adopting an unwanted cat back in 2008. He proceeded to tie Downey up and strangle her, later using her own car to move her body and dumping it down a bank on the Port Hills.
During a recent parole hearing, Peach revealed that he had committed the murder in order to harm someone else in prison, a revelation that came as a surprise to Thomson and the league. Peach claimed that he did not intend to kill Downey, but rather wanted to commit a crime that would result in his imprisonment so he could confront another individual who he believed had wronged him.
Peach was sentenced to life in prison with a minimum non-parole period of 13 years in 2009 for Downey’s murder. Despite appearing before the Parole Board, Peach was not seeking parole during his recent hearing, which was ultimately declined. His next hearing is scheduled for May 2026.
Thomson expressed relief upon learning that Peach would not be granted parole this year, stating, “It did affect us all terribly. We don’t want him walking around.” She described Downey as a kind and quiet individual who was dedicated to her job at the charity, working with neglected and unwanted cats.
Following Downey’s tragic death, the Cat Protection League Canterbury implemented improved safety procedures, such as requiring workers to disclose the addresses they visit and encouraging two-person visits where possible. The league’s office has since relocated to its adoption center and cattery in Woolston, where a kitten run was named in Downey’s honor with a remembrance plaque nearby.
Thomson emphasized the importance of keeping Downey’s memory alive, stating, “We don’t want Kerry to ever be forgotten.” Downey left behind a grieving family, including a father who has since passed away, two sisters, and a brother, all of whom were deeply affected by her untimely death. Thomson, who later served as the charity’s president for several years following Downey’s passing, reflected on the profound impact of the tragedy, emphasizing the need for justice and remembrance in honor of Downey’s legacy.
