UPDATE: A New South Wales man has been sentenced to 12 years and 9 months in prison for the brutal killing of his disabled partner, Lindy “Kimmy” Lucena, during a violent attack. Robert Karl Huber, 69, was deemed a “pure evil monster” by the court, following a sustained assault that left Lucena’s body nearly unrecognizable.
The tragic incident occurred on January 3, 2023, while the couple was living in a courtyard behind a Salvation Army store in Ballina after losing their home to floods in 2022. Huber, who had consumed a significant amount of alcohol and sedatives, attacked Lucena, delivering at least five blows that led to severe injuries.
Ms. Lucena’s daughter, visibly shaken, recounted to the NSW Supreme Court how she could hardly recognize her mother due to the extensive damage inflicted. “The only thing that pushed me forward was knowing how scared and how weak she would have been in those last moments of her life,” she stated, highlighting the emotional toll of this brutal act.
Justice Stephen Rothman noted that while Lucena did not die from her injuries directly, the beating was a “substantial cause of death,” exacerbated by pre-existing health issues. Huber’s previous history of violence, including breaching a domestic violence order and causing Lucena to suffer a black eye just weeks before her death, was also considered during sentencing.
At the sentencing, Justice Rothman criticized Huber for his minimization of the attack, stating his claim of striking Lucena only twice was “palpably false.” The judge remarked on Huber’s failure to accept full responsibility for his actions, which profoundly impacted the victim’s family.
As the case closes, it opens the door for a potential inquest into Ms. Lucena’s death and the response of the NSW Police. Reports indicate that police took nearly an hour to respond to the incident, facing difficulties in locating the scene. Once there, it was reported that the responding officer did not exit his vehicle to investigate thoroughly.
NSW Police Minister Yasmin Catley has indicated that a coroner’s examination of Ms. Lucena’s death and police response would be appropriate. A spokesperson for the NSW Coroners Court stated that details regarding the possible inquest would be made public following the conclusion of the criminal proceedings.
The community grapples with the devastating impact of domestic violence, underscoring the urgent need for awareness and action. Those affected by similar issues are encouraged to reach out for support through services such as 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732) and Lifeline (13 11 14).
As the legal process concludes, all eyes will be on the potential inquest, aiming to shed light on the circumstances surrounding this tragic event and the failures in response that followed.
