Counsel Alleges Youth Had Motive For Murder (Press, 3 March 1964)

On 2 March 1964, in the Supreme Court of Wellington, New Zealand, the trial of John Vincent, a 20-year-old deck-hand, commenced regarding the murder of David Alan Rowe, the chief steward of the New Zealand Star. The alleged murder took place on 1 January 1964 while the vessel was sailing in the Pacific Ocean between Panama and Christmas Island. The Crown prosecutor, Mr J. D. Murray, suggested that Vincent's violent reactions to discussions about homosexuality could provide a compelling motive for the murder. The court heard that Vincent had been found in compromising circumstances with Rowe, who had a history of being a practising homosexual. Mr Murray detailed events leading up to Rowe's death, including a bingo game on 26 December where Vincent and Rowe were seen conversing and drinking together. On the night of the incident, a party was held on the ship, and Rowe was later discovered in his bunk with severe injuries to his head and face. Following a brutal assault, Rowe was pronounced dead shortly after midnight, despite medical efforts. Evidence presented indicated that Rowe had suffered multiple blows from a blunt object, with bruising consistent with such an attack. Notably, a missing stanchion from the ship’s railings was identified, and paint flecks found near Rowe's bunk matched the stanchion’s colour. On 20 January, during police questioning in Suva, Vincent expressed a strong dislike for homosexuals and admitted to sleeping in Rowe’s cabin on the night of the bingo. However, he denied any sexual intercourse occurred. Cross-examinations revealed inconsistencies in Vincent's accounts, such as his recollection of events following the attack and where he was on the night in question. Testimonies underscored Vincent's alleged anger towards homosexuals, suggesting that feelings of remorse might have contributed to his actions. The trial continued, with the jury inspecting the New Zealand Star, assessing the circumstantial evidence and the implications of Vincent's past interactions with Rowe, which could portray a motive for the murder. The case remains ongoing as further evidence is examined.

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