New Zealand woman accused of killing mother after stealing cash for crypto

A New Zealand woman, Julia DeLuney, aged 53, is accused of murdering her 79-year-old mother, Helen Gregory, after allegedly stealing a significant amount of money from her to invest in cryptocurrencies.

Prosecutors claim DeLuney was in financial difficulty and spent over NZD $150,000 (around $155,000 reported) on crypto investments in the year leading up to her mother's death, including Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies.

Helen Gregory distrusted banks and kept her savings hidden in plastic packets around her house. DeLuney allegedly stole between NZD $75,000 to NZD $90,000 from her mother over several months and admitted to investing this money in crypto.

Evidence presented in court included bank account analyses showing large crypto transfers totaling more than $90,000 and a deficit of about $41,000 in January 2024 due to losses.

Two days before her mother's death in January 2024, DeLuney sent an email claiming that a crypto investment made six months earlier had produced profits exceeding NZD $268,000. She asked her mother to provide approximately NZD $15,000 to $18,000 for withdrawal fees and tax liabilities, which experts testified were fabricated and typical of crypto scams.

Helen Gregory was found dead at her home with authorities suspecting foul play rather than an accidental fall as staged by DeLuney. Forensic evidence contradicted the explanation of a fall, including bloodstains and hair clumps inconsistent with a fall.

DeLuney's phone was inactive for 37 minutes on the night of the death, raising further suspicion. The trial is ongoing, with DeLuney denying the murder charges and claiming an alternative narrative.

This case highlights a tragic intersection of familial betrayal, financial desperation, and the risks of cryptocurrency investments.

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