Lauren Dickason, a South African doctor, has been sentenced to 18 years by the High Court in Christchurch, New Zealand, for the murder of her three young children. The sentencing took place on Wednesday, following her conviction for the deaths of six-year-old Lianè and two-year-old twins, Maya and Karla, just weeks after the family emigrated to New Zealand.
Dickason will serve her sentence in a mental healthcare facility after being found guilty of the murders. The incident, reported by Stuff in New Zealand, shocked both countries and raised questions about mental health and the pressures of immigration.
🚨 | 🇳🇿 New Zealand Mother “Motionless” As She’s Found Guilty of Murdering Her 3 Daughters
Lauren Dickason has been found guilty of murdering her 3 daughters.
– Maya & Karla: 2-Year-Old Twins 💔
– Lianè: 6-Years-Old 💔
The 42 year-old had plead not guilty to murder, as her… pic.twitter.com/O7qcexiq7H
— Censored Men (@CensoredMen) August 16, 2023
In a statement released to her family, Dickason expressed deep remorse for her actions.
“I loved Liané, Maya and Karla with all my heart. I failed them, I failed Graham, and I failed our families. I take responsibility for taking our three beautiful girls from this world,” she said. “I would like to take this opportunity to convey the deepest and most sincere remorse for the extreme pain and hurt caused to my children and my family by my actions.”
Her husband, Graham Dickason, has publicly forgiven her, acknowledging the profound impact the tragedy has had on his life. Despite the immense personal loss, he told reporters that he forgave his wife for her actions.
According to the court report, Dickason’s sentence will initially be served in a mental healthcare facility. However, there is a possibility that she may be transferred to a prison in the future. She could be eligible for parole after six years, depending on her progress and behavior.
The tragic incident occurred on September 16, 2021. Dickason, aged 43, was found guilty by a New Zealand court in August 2023. Throughout the trial, she pleaded not guilty to the murder charges, citing insanity as her defense.
‼️ MURDER3D 3 BABI3S 👀
Lauren Dickason, 42 admitted killing her 2-year-old twin daughters Maya and Karla, and their 6-year-old sister Lianè 😢
“couldn’t bear her husband remarrying or another woman raising her children”
Lauren at first tried to kill her children using zip… pic.twitter.com/K1MQZ6XGkI
— i Expose Racist & Pedos (@iSeeRacist) November 4, 2023
The prosecution contended that Dickason acted out of anger on the night of the murders, suggesting that she snapped due to accumulated frustration. Conversely, the defense argued that she was suffering from severe mental illness and had not recovered from postpartum depression following the birth of her children.
Justice Mander, in his ruling, determined that Dickason’s actions were influenced by her mental disorder, and not a result of a sudden fit of rage. He stated that he was convinced her mental health issues played a significant role in the tragic event.
