Episode 27: Mary Donnelly - Special Olympian Murdered

Sinister Dynasty - New Zealand (NZ) True Crime Podcast

Mary Donnelly was a special Olympian who was tragically murdered in her home in Hamilton, New Zealand, in 2005. Mary was well-known in her community and had won medals for her achievements in the Special Olympics.

On the day of her murder, Mary was home alone when an intruder entered her house and attacked her. She was found by her parents when they returned home from a shopping trip. Mary had been sexually assaulted, and her injuries were so severe that she died shortly after arriving at the hospital.

The police launched an extensive investigation into Mary's murder and appealed to the public for information. Several people were questioned, but the case went cold for several years. In 2008, DNA evidence found at the scene was matched to a man named Liam James Reid, who had a history of sexual offenses.

Reid was arrested and charged with Mary's murder, and his trial began in 2009. The prosecution presented a compelling case, arguing that Reid had burgled Mary's house and attacked her when she surprised him. The defense argued that the DNA evidence was unreliable, but Reid was ultimately found guilty of murder and sentenced to life in prison with a minimum non-parole period of 23 years.

The murder of Mary Donnelly shocked and saddened New Zealand, particularly those in the special needs community, who knew Mary and respected her achievements. Her murder was a reminder of the vulnerability of people with disabilities and the importance of protecting and supporting them. The case also highlighted the importance of DNA evidence in solving crimes and bringing justice to victims and their families.

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Music by Kyle Hsieh