UPDATE: A 69-year-old man has been sentenced to 12 years and 9 months for the brutal killing of his disabled partner, Lindy “Kimmy” Lucena, during a violent attack in Ballina, NSW. Robert Karl Huber was described by officials as a “pure evil monster” following a harrowing court hearing that revealed the extent of his abuse.
The attack occurred on January 3, 2023, after the couple had been living in a courtyard behind a Salvation Army store, having lost their home due to floods in 2022. On the day of the incident, Huber had consumed half a bottle of gin and taken sedatives before launching a sustained assault on Lucena, delivering at least five blows that left her unrecognizable.
Lucena’s daughter, devastated by the loss, emotionally recounted her mother’s injuries in the NSW Supreme Court, stating, “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.” Her testimony highlighted the emotional toll of losing her mother to “pure evil manifested” rather than a natural death.
Justice Stephen Rothman ruled that while Lucena did not die solely from her injuries, the severe beating contributed significantly to her death, alongside existing health issues, including coronary heart disease and a small amount of methadone in her system. He criticized Huber’s lack of accountability, noting that his claim of only striking Lucena twice was “palpably false.”
Huber, who has a lengthy criminal history dating back to 1988, had previously breached a domestic violence order meant to protect Lucena. The court heard that he had inflicted injuries on her as recently as Boxing Day 2022, resulting in a black eye. Despite these abuses, Justice Rothman considered Huber’s troubled childhood and mental health issues in his sentencing.
This case not only marks a significant moment for justice but also raises questions about the response of NSW Police. Reports indicate it took police nearly an hour to arrive at the scene, and the responding officer did not leave his vehicle to investigate. NSW Police Minister Yasmin Catley has expressed support for a coroner’s inquest into Lucena’s death and the police response.
As the community grapples with this tragedy, the sentencing opens the door for further investigations and potential reforms in handling domestic violence cases. For those affected by domestic violence, support services are available through 1800 RESPECT and Lifeline.
This case serves as a chilling reminder of the ongoing fight against domestic violence and the urgent need for systemic changes to protect vulnerable individuals. Stay tuned for updates as developments unfold.
