Key Takeaways:
- Chantal McDonald, a Christchurch woman, was murdered by her possessive stalker, Nathan Boulter, on July 23.
- Boulter had a long history of stalking and assaulting ex-partners, including a previous conviction for kidnapping and assaulting his ex-girlfriend.
- McDonald had ended their brief relationship and told Boulter she did not want any further contact, but he continued to harass and threaten her.
- Boulter was arrested and pleaded guilty to murdering McDonald, and will be sentenced in February.
- McDonald’s family has released a statement, describing her as a kind, hardworking, and devoted mother who was taken from them in a senseless manner.
Introduction to the Tragedy
The family of Chantal McDonald, a Christchurch woman who was murdered by her possessive stalker, Nathan Boulter, has released a statement describing her as a kind, hardworking, and devoted mother. McDonald was killed on July 23, and Boulter has pleaded guilty to her murder. He will be sentenced in February. The family’s statement highlights the devastating impact of McDonald’s loss, and the senseless manner in which she was taken from them. They have also expressed their gratitude to the New Zealand Police, Victim Support, and the Parklands community for their support during this difficult time.
The Events Leading Up to the Murder
McDonald had been in a brief relationship with Boulter in May, but ended it and told him she did not want any further contact. However, Boulter continued to harass and threaten her, making 581 calls to her between July 7 and July 20. He also used multiple cell phone numbers and social media profiles to stalk and threaten McDonald. On July 14, he sent her threatening messages, including one that said "your lack of human compassion and empathy will be the death of you one day soon my Lil hoe!". McDonald began taking steps to protect herself, including locking her front gate with a padlock and telling her friends and family about Boulter’s threats.
The Murder
On July 22, Boulter bought a knife, and the following evening, he watched McDonald’s home, waiting for her to return. When she arrived home with her children, Boulter attacked her with the knife, stabbing her 55 times. McDonald’s children ran into the house as Boulter was stabbing their mother, and she died within minutes. Boulter then left the property and entered a nearby home, where he put the knife on the kitchen bench and called his stepfather and the police, confessing to the crime. He was arrested a short time later.
Boulter’s History of Violence
Boulter has a long history of stalking and assaulting ex-partners. In 2012, he was jailed for eight years and six months for kidnapping and assaulting his ex-girlfriend over a 38-hour ordeal on Great Barrier Island. This history of violence highlights the dangers of possessive and controlling behavior, and the need for support and protection for victims of domestic violence.
The Family’s Statement
McDonald’s family has released a statement, describing her as a "much-loved mother, daughter, sister, and friend". They said she was "kind, hardworking, and deeply devoted to her children, who were always at the centre of her life". The family is devastated by her loss, and is grieving the senseless manner in which she was taken from them. They have also expressed their gratitude to the New Zealand Police, Victim Support, and the Parklands community for their support during this difficult time.
Conclusion
The murder of Chantal McDonald is a tragic reminder of the dangers of possessive and controlling behavior, and the need for support and protection for victims of domestic violence. Boulter’s history of violence and stalking highlights the importance of taking threats and harassment seriously, and providing adequate support and resources to those who are affected. McDonald’s family has released a statement, describing her as a kind, hardworking, and devoted mother, and expressing their gratitude for the support they have received during this difficult time.