The sister of Juliana Bonilla Herrera wants her memory to be “honoured through firm actions and just decisions that prevent similar tragedies”.
Saray Bonilla has taken part in the Coroner’s inquest into the 37-year-old’s death remotely from California.
It came to a close in Christchurch this afternoon.
Herrera, a Colombian national, was murdered in January 2022 by her neighbour Joseph Brider, who had been paroled from prison just 72 days earlier.
He’d been serving time for serious sexual offences including rape.
Over the last week, Coroner Alexandra Cunninghame has heard evidence from various Corrections Department workers about their interactions with Brider prior to the murder.
She also heard from Pathway Trust staff, the rehabilitation agency supporting Brider in his reintegration into the community.
Juliana’s sister has had the opportunity to question those who appeared in court and, as the inquest wrapped up today, a victim support worker shared a statement from her.
1News was not allowed to film Saray Bonilla, but she watched online as her words were read.
“We owe it to Juliana, and to every person whose safety depends on a just and responsible system, to act now, to do better, and to never again allow preventable failures to cost innocent lives.
“In honour of Juliana, and in defence of all who remain at risk, may this be the moment we stop repeating avoidable mistakes, and start building a system that truly protects” she said.
Coroner Cunninghame also addressed Herrera’s family, who were listening in, during her closing remarks.
“What happened to Juliana was horrific, being attacked by a stranger in our own home must be every woman’s worst nightmare… she made the most of what New Zealand has to offer. And I’m profoundly sorry that her last moments were so horrifying.
“The way in which probation, the pathway trust, or possibly police, could have responded if they were aware of concerns is a relevant issue for the inquiry. But it’s important that this question is not framed in a way which suggests that Juliana should be criticised for not having done more. The burden should never be on women to keep themselves safe from men” she said.
She explained there would now be a period of time before her findings were finalised and made public.
