Slain teenager’s final messages Court hears Amber-Rose Rush accused Skantha of ‘preying on kids’
ADunedin doctor stabbed a teenage girl to death to protect his fragile medical career, the Crown says. Venod Skantha, 32, was on his final warning at Dunedin Hospital when, according to the Crown, he murdered 16-year-old Amber-Rose Rush in her home in the Dunedin suburb of Corstorphine on February 2 last year.
Hospital bosses had originally decided to sack the defendant but gave him one more chance after he explained his mother had recently died.
Crown prosecutor Richard Smith told the jury yesterday that had been a lie.
Through 2017 and early 2018, Skantha was supplying young people with drugs and alcohol at social gatherings.
His friendship with Amber-Rose soured after she accused him of indecently assaulting her.
Minutes before her death, she spoke to the defendant on Facebook messenger, an exchange which became increasingly strained.
“YOU’RE PREYING ON YOUNG KIDS VINNY, WHAT THE F*** IS WRONG WITH YOU.
“. . . YOU’RE 30 AND A DOCTOR FOR F*** SAKES,” Amber-Rose wrote.
“Imma make sure EVERYONE knows what a sick c*** you are, including your work AND the police.”
After she confirmed the threat was legitimate, Skantha allegedly contacted a 16-year-old friend and organised to go to her home.
He had a “master plan”, he said. The Crown said the teenager then explained to the defendant where Amber-Rose’s bedroom was and that there was a spare key under an ornamental Buddha on the porch.
The marks in the dust on the vehicle’s dashboard used to map the scene were still visible when police examined it.
Skantha followed those directions, Smith said, found the victim, muffled her cries with a pillow and stabbed her six times in the throat and neck.
One injury penetrated through to the bone and almost severed her ear, the court heard.
Amber-Rose’s phone was dumped in a pond at Blackhead, which Smith said was consistent with Skantha trying to
Judge: Justice Gerald Nation Prosecution: Robin Bates and Richard Smith
Defence: Jonathan Eaton, QC, and Helen Coutts
Witnesses: 92
Length: Up to six weeks