Murder Motivated by Jealousy and Grand Fantasies
A 51-year-old taekwondo instructor in Sydney has pleaded guilty to the shocking triple homicide of a mother, her husband, and their 7-year-old child. The killings occurred last February — first at the instructor’s own martial-arts studio, then at the family’s home. The court heard that the motive was not hatred alone, but a toxic mix of envy, resentment, and deeply unrealistic dreams of wealth, fame and Olympic-level success.
He had cultivated a false persona of success — claiming he owned a luxury car, had influential contacts, and even qualified for the Olympics — in order to impress his wife. To reinforce these lies, he went so far as to email himself posing as powerful figures.
How the Crime Unfolded
According to the court, the instructor first strangled the mother and child inside his martial-arts academy after other students had left. Then, he took the mother’s luxury car and drove to the family’s home to confront the father. There, he stabbed him to death. In the ensuing struggle, the father managed to inflict wounds on the instructor, who later drove himself to a hospital claiming he had been attacked elsewhere — a story disproven by CCTV footage.
During the sentencing hearing, the devastated family described unending grief and loss, saying their lives had “no more meaning.” The impact of the crime has left them emotionally torn, and they have called for a severe, permanent sentence.
Legal Battle: Parole or Life Without Release?
Prosecutors argue that the instructor’s actions show he should never be released. Their case paints the murder as premeditated and financially motivated — triggered by envy of the family’s success.
In contrast, the defense contends that while their client was deeply envious, his crime was not driven by hatred. They argue for a minimum non-parole term in line with law, rather than life without parole. Under New South Wales law, the maximum for murder is life, with typical non-parole periods varying depending on circumstances.
Sentencing is scheduled for December 16, when the judge will decide whether the instructor will remain behind bars for life.
