Arabic version: العائلة تطالب بعقوبة السجن مدى الحياة لقاتل أختهم

The family of a Tiwi Islands sistergirl, Lena, who was fatally stabbed in October 2024, has called for a life sentence for her killer, Andrew Mungatopi. They described her as someone with “the biggest heart” and expressed their heartbreak and grief during the court proceedings. According to ABC News, Mungatopi was found guilty of manslaughter but not murder after a week-long trial in the Northern Territory Supreme Court.

During sentencing submissions, Lena’s sister, Pauline Grant, delivered a victim impact statement, stating that their family would never forgive Mungatopi for taking Lena’s life. She urged the court for the maximum penalty, emphasizing the pain and sleepless nights her family has endured since Lena’s death. Grant expressed that Lena had so much to live for and deserved justice.

Crown prosecutor Rhiannon McGlinn highlighted the severity of the crime, arguing that Mungatopi used “a large kitchen knife” to stab Lena after escalating a confrontation. She noted that Lena was merely trying to protect herself with a milk crate when she was attacked. McGlinn maintained that Mungatopi’s actions showed a reckless disregard for human life, warranting a serious sentence.

Mungatopi’s defense lawyer, Ambrith Abayasekara, argued that the jury’s decision indicated Mungatopi did not intend to kill Lena or cause serious harm. He characterized the incident as a “two-sided” confrontation and suggested that Mungatopi had shown signs of remorse. Mungatopi is scheduled to be sentenced in June, with the family continuing to advocate for the maximum penalty for the loss of their beloved sistergirl.