Teens plead guilty to murder of 90-year-old Grace Virtue

By RNZ

Three teenagers have pleaded guilty to the murder of Grace Virtue, 90, who died of a brain injury after a home invasion last year.

Three teens, whose names have been withheld, have pleaded not guilty to murder and have been tried in Palmerston North Superior Court.

Virtue’s niece, Wendy O’Moore, told the court that her aunt “looked pretty tough” and “felt silly” for letting two of the teens in.

She said her aunt had begged the girls not to kick her in the head; she had fallen to the ground and had been kicked in the ribs.

The trio will be sentenced on November 13.

Yesterday, Virtue’s granddaughter, Samantha Virtue, told the court that her grandmother’s health had deteriorated in the days leading up to her death.

Fighting back tears, she told Crown Prosecutor Ben Vanderkolk that her grandmother had described one of the teens in vivid detail.

“She said ‘that young woman had pure evil in her eyes,'” he said.

Virtue’s daughter-in-law, Jennifer Virtue, had known the victim for decades.

She said the 90-year-old called things by name and loved her family to pieces.

“She was a beautiful and caring woman who loved nature and loved her family,” he said.

Jennifer Virtue said her mother-in-law had a bright outlook and great compassion for others.

Crown prosecutor Ben Vanderkolk told the court that the teenagers’ main goal was to get money: They had targeted Virtue’s home because she was older and lived alone.

“The three young women wanted and needed money, they had identified a house, it had a vulnerable occupant … they were armed with at least one or two lethal weapons,” he said.

He said two of them got in while a third was lurking outside.

She said Virtue was assaulted and her purse was taken from her.

“Ms. Virtue’s debit card was used to buy three Chupa Chups, drinks, a hoodie, a pair of jeans, and tobacco.

“The card was rejected in attempts to purchase more cigarettes and alcohol,” he said.