Evidence Of Crew In Murder Charge Ended (Press, 20 February 1964)

On 19 February 1964, the Lower Court in Wellington heard evidence from crew members of the New Zealand Star in a murder case against 20-year-old deckhand John Vincent. He is charged with the murder of the ship's chief steward, David Alan Rowe, which occurred on 1 January while the vessel was on a high seas journey between Panama and Christmas Island. The presiding magistrate, Mr. R.D. Jamieson, oversaw the proceedings in which two Crown witnesses were yet to testify. Medical practitioner Kevin Fitzmaurice Ross, the ship's doctor, reported that he was called to Rowe's cabin late on 1 January where he found Rowe unconscious with severe injuries including fractures to the nose and jaws, multiple lacerations, and substantial bleeding. The severity of Rowe's injuries suggested he had been attacked while asleep with a heavy blunt object, possibly a stanchion post. Rowe was pronounced dead around 1:25 a.m. on 2 January without regaining consciousness. Investigations revealed no weapons found in the cabin that could have caused the injuries, and the assailant likely did not get blood on themselves. Chief Officer Ian John Tait was instructed by the captain to inspect crew members for bloodstains. Vincent was notably the last to show his hands, which were clean, though Tait remarked that he had them folded under his arms prior. Further testimonies from various crew members, including Vincent's cabin mate Martin George Wills, described Vincent as having a generally amiable disposition but noted instances of temper. After being questioned, Wills indicated that while having a drink with Vincent, Vincent had shown signs of distress when marks on his arm were pointed out. Assistant steward Hans Joachim Klien noted Rowe’s reputation as both physically fit and active and suggested his homosexual inclinations given his relationships aboard. Another assistant steward, Michael John Donaghue, recalled a previously awkward interaction with Rowe, wherein Rowe had attempted to kiss him before the assault. A senior ordinary seaman, Michael Leslie Cole, mentioned an unsettling remark Vincent made about the prospect of being associated with a murderer, further complicating the narrative surrounding his character. Vincent was noted to have reacted defensively when jokingly accused of involvement in Rowe's death by a fellow crew member, Trevor Norman Thompson. Thompson's subsequent discussion with Vincent suggested he believed the murder was retaliatory in nature. The hearing into the murder charge was adjourned until the following day, as the court awaited testimonies from additional witnesses.

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