Two teens guilty of Opotiki murder

Published: 3:58PM Wednesday November 25, 2009 Source: NZPA

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Two teenage girls have been found guilty of murdering retired Opotiki school teacher John Rowe by beating him repeatedly with his own walking sticks.

Courtney Churchward, 18, and Lori-lea Waiora Te Wini, 15, who had her name suppression lifted on Wednesday, repeatedly beat the frail, 78-year-old man until he died on November 25 last year.

The girls then made his house look as though it had been trashed and took his wallet.

They said they only wanted to knock the man out, so they could rob him. 

The jury took almost five hours to reach its verdict.

The pair have been remanded in custody for sentencing on December 18.

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