Losing Libby

CLOSE FAMILY: Libby and her brother Bill with their father Andrew Templeman.

HERMANUS THEODORUS KRIEL: 16, was found guilty of Liberty’s murder and indecent assault by a jury at the High Court in Whangarei last month. Kriel had name and image suppression throughout his two-week trial but Justice Raynor Asher lifted name suppression the day after he was found guilty. An image suppression order, which remains in place until Kriel’s sentencing on March 26, refers only to photographs taken in court. This means images taken of Kriel outside court can now be published. This picture was taken off a YouTube internet clip posted by Theo Kriel in 2008.

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The conviction of Kerikeri teenager Hermanus Theodorus Kriel last month for the murder of Liberty Templeman marked another step in a harrowing ordeal for Libby's parents Rebecca and Andrew.

Outside the court Libby’s father Andrew spoke of the family’s loss – describing it as "every parent’s worst nightmare".

The policeman who led the inquiry, inspector Marty Ruth, acknowledged the stress of the case. "I’m just pleased for the Templemans that they got some justice."

Now Andrew and Rebecca want to share their feelings.

Our brains are like sponges at the moment, just overflowing with info as well as being thrown back in to the raw grip of 15 months ago. It’s very hard to write about someone that you have loved and lost, especially when it’s your own child. It’s not that words fail me, it’s just that I don’t know where to start.

"Libby had managed to capture the essence of living life to the full without the boundaries of being foolish! She was tenacious, free-spirited, a natural mediator but above all, she loved her family and friends and was loved in return for her openness and honesty.

"Libby’s boundless energy was an endearing feature and followed her like a bubble. It’s said that Libby had a ‘bubble of giggles’.

"Her "surround sound" was a constant hum of activity. The house is quieter, though Libby’s brother Bill is making up for that now that he is drumming full-on again!

"We are struggling to come to terms with the new dynamics that we, as a family, find ourselves thrown into. Every day, just for a moment, everything is normal. But then the reality sets in and our lives are very different. We have to learn to breathe again. A constant reminder that we face yet another day without Liberty here with us. Though in spirit, we feel her very close to us.

"The grief and suffering being endured by all our family and friends is beyond words.

"I wish l could give you some insight into what it is like to lose someone through such trauma.

"In the past 15 months since our daughter Liberty was murdered there doesn’t seem to have been a minute that we do not relive the last moments of the senseless, selfish act that took away the life of our beautiful girl.

"We want to be able to remember Libby without him standing in the shadows. That time will come, we just need to be patient. We will never understand and we will never accept that someone can murder.

"Some people have come into our lives for a reason after this tragedy, and others will leave, slowly. We will experience such anger and bewilderment while trying to understand the reasoning, it seems like a pointless effort.

"There have been times when people crossed the road because they were unable to express their emotions to us.

"There have been other friends and even strangers who need to share. There have been times when we felt so alone and wanted the company of others. There have been times when the company of others was not wanted but as soon as they left we needed them again. And there have been times when no matter how much help, love and support we received, it just never seemed to be enough because until you have lost siblings, family or friends at the hands of another, your friends will think that they can understand, be it just a little, but of course they can’t.

"The intentions are open-hearted, kind-hearted and the willingness to take away the pain is overwhelming at times.

"The judicial system is a slow process, frustrating and unfair. We become the victims also. I don’t know the accused nor the family, but I have seen them every day in court supporting their son. You have all read the reports and heard the news. No more gossiping. The truth is out.

"To sit so close and watch the accused and his father show no emotion has shocked us beyond belief. There was no remorse shown when he had the perfect opportunity to apologise when he took the stand – a total lack of respect. We have had nothing to hide, only our grief.

"We would rather have had Libby in our lives for the short, fantastic 15 years that she blessed us with, and live through all the emotional trauma, than know that we have a child capable of such a heinous crime.

"We are so proud of both Libby and Billy and take comfort that we as parents have raised honest and loving children.

"Our lives will never be the same. So we draw strength from having had the pleasure of having Libby, be it only a short time. The memories that make us smile and laugh will be the one’s that keep us strong. So we must talk to each other, comfort each other and remember the fun times – celebrate her life as she deserves.

"Rest now Libby, but don't forget to party once in a while! Your family and friends will be with you soon enough."

- © Fairfax NZ News