NZ murder accused in online rant to Cairns dad

THE alleged killer of Australian man Sean McKinnon, murdered in New Zealand, has a Queensland father.

The father, a salesman who lives in Cairns, refused to comment when contacted about his 23-year-old son’s alleged crimes.

It is understood he had not had much contact with his son in recent years.

But just five weeks ago, the alleged killer posted on his father’s Facebook page a message saying: “Could you imagine someone doing this to there (sic) own son.

“A father can’t choose when to be in there sons (sic) life when you don’t have the wright (sic) to say your opinion on rumours you have heard you were the gutless one who left.”

It is understood the parents of the alleged killer, who can’t be named for legal reasons, separated some time ago.

His mother and sister live in Te Ahora, southeast of Auckland, and his father – who is originally from Rockhampton, according to social media accounts – now lives in Cairns.

The father is well known for his community work and for helping raise funds for children’s charities.

The alleged killer’s older sister works in theatre production and put up social media posts in the wake of the Christchurch massacre condemning the violence.

She said in one post that people should not make excuses for the perpetrator.

The alleged killer has been charged with the murder of Victorian Mr McKinnon, threatening to kill his Canadian fiancee, aggravated robbery and causing grievous bodily harm to Mr McKinnon, and driving while disqualified.