Mark Lundy will be released from prison next month. Photo: RNZ / Alexander Robertson
Supporters of Mark Lundy, who will be released from prison next month after serving more than 23 years for murdering his wife and daughter, say his fight to clear his name is continuing.
After a hearing on Thursday the Parole Board decided to release the 66-year-old.
He has twice been convicted of murdering wife Christine, 38, and daughter Amber, 7, in their Palmerston North home in August 2000, but has always maintained his innocence.
Lundy has a group of supporters, known as FACTUAL (For Amber and Christine, Truth Uncovered about Lundy), which has stood by him for the past 25 years.
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A spokesman for the group told RNZ it was thankful for the Parole Board's decision. Group members would help Lundy make sure he met the conditions of his release.
They included a ban on entering Manawatū or using social media, and a curfew. His release location is suppressed.
"We're well aware of them and his supporters are well aware of them, and we'll do everything to help make sure he meets those restrictions," the spokesman said.
"We constantly look to the CCRC [Criminal Cases Review Commission] to finish their investigation and progress towards clearing his name."
The spokesman said Lundy filed his case with the commission four years ago.
If the commission believed a conviction is doubtful, it can pass a case back to the appeal courts.
In Lundy's case there have been disputes about scientific evidence presented at both his trials.
"They [the commission] made some good progress late last year, but we haven't heard any updates this year and we're doing everything we can to answer their questions and support them in their investigation," the spokesman said.
"Above all, the FACTUAL name is still relevant. For Amber and Christine, we're seeking the truth about the Lundys."
The spokesman said now was also a time to remember the people who had stood by Lundy who had since died.
The spokesman said the group was grateful the board recognised Lundy was not a "credible threat to society".
"It is to the credit of the Parole Board that their questioning seemed to go further than their mandate to protect society, recognising that society is also a risk to Mark and his successful reintegration.
"Sensational media comments, inflammatory or provocative remarks from ill-informed public and, particularly, a long-term incarceration, make Mark vulnerable to the perils of internet scams, social-media fraud, misinformation, fake news, and gossip."
Lundy's brother-in-law Dave Jones said he and his wife Caryl, Lundy's sister, were also keenly awaiting the commission's findings.
"He didn't do this and as far as we're concerned - himself and us and his supporters - the police picked on the wrong person.
"They made a serious error of judgement and went with the wrong guy."
Some of the evidence used to convict Lundy, such as novel science techniques to identify central nervous system tissue on his polo shirt as human brain matter, should not have been presented to a court, Jones said.
He and his wife were happy the Parole Board had given Lundy the opportunity to prove he was not a risk and could reintegrate back into society safely.
And his release would make communicating with the commission easier.
Jones said the questioning at Thursday's hearing felt less aggressive than on previous occasions, where Lundy maintaining his innocence was a stumbling block.
"He won't let them down. He'll do everything that's required or asked of him. He won't break the rules."
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