Family of murdered schoolgirl Coral Burrows open up about case that shocked nation I Sunday I TVNZ

Six-year-old Coral Burrows was brutally murdered in Featherston in 2003. The case shook the nation - and she instantly became a symbol for our horrific record of child abuse. Fifteen years on, Coral's family and friends tell SUNDAY about how they rebuilt their shattered lives. And we reveal Coral’s legacy - one that has helped to save other Kiwi kids.

[@azdesert1113]

The poor father remembering his baby is heartbreaking. Such a violent and horrible end to a completely innocent life. Poor baby girl.

[@svraj17]

The mother trusted the children to a criminal with 88 convictions who was still on drugs!!! She has to be held accountable for the poor innocent child. Hoping this clip serves as a lesson to all separated partners to prioritise your children's safety over your own need for a companion.

[@shanmareewalker7836]

Raj SV thats right. Blame the parents.

[@BellaLeoLicorice]

Blame the mother - she was totally responsible.

[@icebergrose8955]

Raj SV And Dad. He was living in another city, not looking after his daughter. There were two parents.

[@debbiemohekey1509]

Unfortunately its still happening and mothers haven't learned a damn thing about who they allow around their kids

[@fatpinkteddy]

So true to many mothers out there need for a man first b4 there kids

[@alison4316]

God, this is so moving. The teddy bears got me. Then Dad and Kimberley meeting again after all these years. This family is beautiful. I'm so very sorry.

[@LM20237]

Beautiful moment between Coral’s Dad and best friend. You can tell both of them needed that hug.

[@Opheliamamars]

How could his mother tell him that "it's alright?" No hun, it's not alright. Your son beat a little girl to death... Nothing about that will ever be alright.

[@fredajordan5704]

Sara T : I was thinking the same thing...No mercy with a child killer.

[@arianaajbeaverhausen8175]

No wonder he turned out the way he did with a "mother" like that.

[@nesadcruz7840]

Despicable

[@davidmathew603]

That was disturbing like somthing out of a horror movie.

[@Maria.9094]

@@fredajordan5704 absolutely. They deserve no mercy and should be executed in the most painful manner possible.

[@louisavevers9709]

I used to live in featherston, and knew coral and storm. They used to come to Friday club, with Kimberley. The Friday club before she went missing we ran an art exhibition, and coral painted a huge big butterfly. We had it framed and given to her mother...i wonder if she still has it? She really was a huggy girl, very bubbly, and even though her home life wasn't fantastic, she always had a smile and would leave her negative life at home! I agree with Kimberly, she's definitely with the angels.

[@SRR0247]

Her birther should be sitting in jail too. She is the reason this monster was in her daughter's life. She's the reason he had access to her. May she suffer with the guilt of being just as much to blame for her daughter's brutal murder.

[@aimeeglatt2713]

What a wonderful biological daddy and brother!! I find it very strange that her mother didn't take part in this.....

[@BellaLeoLicorice]

Guilt

[@BellaLeoLicorice]

NZ FALCON Her urges??

[@BellaLeoLicorice]

NZ FALCON yeah

[@vanillagorilla8438]

My thoughts exactly... 😕🤷‍♂️

[@Adam-im3uz]

Why do you find it strange ? She has blood on her hands too. Should be locked up for life.

[@maxinemoore6077]

The mother should be jailed too , they let these vile men into their children’s lives, they obviously couldn’t care less about their children and these criminals should be monitored, especially if they have convictions for violence and drugs, they shouldn’t be allowed to have a relationship with someone who has children

[@hamsternuggetz]

I think it would be worth reading up about abusive relationship dynamics so you can fully understand why your comment isn't useful. Jailing the mother and keeping her away from her other kids could potentially worsen the already terrible situation that these kids have to deal with. We want to lessen generational trauma, not continue it.

[@lilmisspixiedust3]

Awww sweetie , please don’t blame yourself , there was nothing you could of done , broke my heart watching this I broke my heart for the dad he’s such a strong man, heart goes out to the family

[@Lespaul199]

R.I.P Coral, New Zealand hasn't forgotten about you.

[@karenrhodes9973]

I think of Coral often, every time another one of our children die, I think of them all. Tragic. And in 2021 we are still failing these children.

[@Boydem274]

Still remember when this happened and I was around corals age. Our whole class in Wellington had a moment of silence for her even our teachers cried 😔 her death defintaely shook New Zealand !. Rip Coral Burrows , your in heaven now at peace ❤️

[@Softwhite420]

My whole heart goes out to Corals family, I am truly sorry..

[@kerridavis2630]

Watching this made me cry my eyes out 😭 To Coral's Mum Dad and Brother I'm so very sorry 💔 2003 my daughter Ashlee (8) passed away from a freak accident 💔 I remember watching Coral's story and being absolutely heartbroken for her family as their journey of grief like mine was just starting 🤍 I pray for you and send you so much love ❤️ Heaven must be a beautiful place cause that's where our Angels are 🤍🙏🤍

[@Lespaul199]

I'm sorry for your loss

[@kerridavis2630]

@@Lespaul199 thankyou 🙏

[@marshamay2695]

Rip Coral xx what an awesome boy Storm turned out to be, his dad must be so proud of him. So sorry this family had to go through this tragedy. I remember when Coral was first missing I had a feeling her step father was involved, His sister was jailed a couple years later for manslaughter of a guy I knew, violent family the Williams are!

[@KQuinn672]

my heart breaks for her father and brother

[@Sita_Schioetz]

What a good brother she had, he was the best she could get!

[@emmakathryn8118]

Heartbreaking 😢 Coral is still so clearly loved. What a beautiful child, I feel so sad for her 😭 can’t imagine the fear she felt.

[@vk3454]

Tears are flowing 😢this was so heartbreaking. Rip Coral ❤

[@BartendressTwin]

These mothers try to just get anybody to love them. They have to watch out if they have children. The new man might be a predator

[@juanitarichards1074]

It's not just mothers you plonker. I'm sick of women like you betraying other women but never blame the men.......

[@RabMcGlinchie]

@@juanitarichards1074 "betraying other women" listen up, we women don't just defend someone because of their gender. She was a terrible mother and her daughter is dead thanks to her being selfish. You really think women should defend each other instead of speaking the truth? Pffft! Juanita, you never post a comment without being rude and calling people names so why should we take you seriously? Get a grip, equality means no more defending weak and selfish "mothers." In this case the mother was at fault but because I'm a woman you expect me to blame Coral's dad? Nope, it was her mother and her boyfriend who are responsible, not Daddy this time. Get over yourself, your nasty responses have earned you no respect.

[@RabMcGlinchie]

@@juanitarichards1074 how do you know the op's thoughts on "fathers" who abuse, neglect, etc their kids? You don't. You are not anywhere near as smart as you think you are.

[@RabMcGlinchie]

@@juanitarichards1074 are you really trying to claim that the dad in this case was at fault? How so?

[@juanitarichards1074]

So might stepmothers.....stepmothers beat their partners children to death every day.

[@fatpinkteddy]

Evil man. Selfish mother to put her own needs before her children.

[@nesadcruz7840]

Most kids who end up like this have parents who split up and then neglect the kids.

[@moirahurley2862]

Feeling so sad for Coral's family and best friend, sending you love and blessings of comfort to you all.. RIP dear Coral xx

[@Adam-im3uz]

Don't feel sad for her mother

[@JustAThought155]

Oh God! That mother exposed her children to harm!!! And who was that lady in the interrogation room who held that murderous man and told him he is alright??? Horrible! The judge said it all when he recounted the little girl’s last moments with that lousy murderer. May he, that abuser, hear her cries and see her fear-filled eyes every day of his life!

[@RabMcGlinchie]

That woman was the killer's mother I believe.

[@kimirio66]

Very sad case...Dad is still morning his baby, which is understandable...I bet Coral is so proud of her brother Storm...I recall the case and it was very sad at the time, but watching this documentary on her and the effects it has had on her family, makes it even sadder...Blessing to Dad and his family...R.I.P. baby girl

[@samharrison5791]

I remember when this happened! Just cried watching it again!

[@Puddlesmolly]

I remember my mum telling me about this story. She lived in the South wairarapa which is a beautiful place. Rip sweet girl. Xx

[@tammywisecup5634]

Wonderful father and brother God bless their valiant efforts to make a Good life I'm sure Coral is so proud 💙

[@wittleone3736]

Made me cry

[@nitamay3534]

What a strong family always stay close

[@visitswflorida]

If I live forever I will never understand how people beat children or babies to death. Even with rage it dissipates with activity. I think the people who do this enjoy it but would never admit it.

[@raelenebaker9620]

Still remember the day Coral went missing loving thoughts of peace, live life to the fullest and live your best mindfulness life

[@ruttleytashnmarty8598]

There are some good n decent policemen still out there. Rest peacefully baby girl xx

[@Starry_Night_Sky7455]

Senseless violence should not happen. The little girl, so innocent. I blame the stupid mother's irresponsibility as a factor for what happened. You don't let a druggie violent prone person be around kids.

[@raihanabowman7857]

Every time I drove through Featherston to the town I lived in Masterton, in Beautiful home, NZ, I would always say , Rest In Paradise Baby Girl! Feel for this family man, ❤️ much arohanui,

[@michellevarnum6195]

I'LL start by saying I was once a single mom of 2 girls... they were 1 and 6 when I met there now step dad... I dated him for over a year before he ever met my girls in person... only saw him when they were with there dad... I had to be sure he wasn't a violent psycho... and I didn't want them being attached to him if it didn't work out... then I slowly introduced them... he NEVER was alone with them for the first 4 years... again I felt he was a good trust worthy man but I take no chances with my girls... after 8 years we moved in together... now we have been together 23 years had a boy and girl to add to our family and he has been amazing... me and him and there dad always put them first... that being said I first lay 99% of the blame on the EVIL, VILE MONSTER that murdered her... but momsc have to STOP trusting just anybody with there kids... or is very selfish and just ignorant... no amount of loneliness will ever make me put my kids in danger... makes me so angry and they never learn...by the way this goes for dads... SO TRUSTING PEOPLE WITH YOUR KIDS... women murder also... jealousy is an evil thing.

[@estellar8186]

Shes somewhere with the angels. ❤

[@catherine8579]

In 2019 he attempted to kill another inmate by throwing boiling water over him & then stabbed him with a plastic knife he'd sharpened with a pencil sharpener blade. It's believed to have been all over a cigarette (contraband) that the victim gave him & Williams blamed the victim for getting caught with it. Before this, he had tried on 2 separate occasions to kill 2 other inmates despite being in preventive custody after the first murder attempt. He also threatened to kill members of the media if they looked at him in an outburst in the court room in 2019. So looks like prison is reforming him really well.

[@jimijamesjowitt]

The 5 foot tall loser was getting protected by the guards when I was in there. Used to threaten people all the time. Shouldnt be breathing but the guards keep him safe.

[@matehaerehenry4909]

I cried the whole time I watched this .. I remember this story and thinking the step dad had done hope he his rotting in hell.. Rest Easy Coral Ellen ❤️💖💜

[@Adam-im3uz]

He is still alive, but doesn't deserve to be. Neither does her mother.

[@Boydem274]

I’m pretty sure he got stabbed up not long ago in prison but he survived it

[@keztukariri]

Much love Corals Dad and Whanau... this one really did hit us all. Fly high Coral ❤❤❤ totally going to find ur teddy fence on my travels!😊

[@holliewilkins618]

Never forgotten little girl.

[@ashimadayal7633]

God bless this family!

[@chanaplotke6218]

Coral's father and brother are very special people. It was exceptionally sad to hear the best friend asking if Coral was in that box.

[@lyngravel6487]

Jesus, that poor family!

[@angelstewart7886]

RIP CORAL

[@janecallaghan2316]

What sort of mother has someone like him in her life or around her children. She is every bit as guilty for being with someone with such a criminal background and a druggie. As for him he’s doesn’t deserve to breathe the same air as decent people.

[@rubytuesday5412]

@1:40~ "Why are you so determined to make a good life for yourself?" FFS! Talk about a stupid question. Corals Dad tho. Heartbreaking.

[@CC12398]

Wow this father really gives insights to the current missing cases IE Summer Wells, Harmony etc.. you see no behavior in those parents like you do in this father this father brought me to tears. ❤️🙏

[@KQuinn672]

bless this family! just heartbreaking!

[@kellyannloveridge9559]

Such a sad loss,beautiful lil girl

[@beanniegirl7686]

Rest in peace precious angel...💜❤️💙💚

[@jeannecroghan3701]

RIP poor baby. Love from New York City.

[@sm9343]

So Sad💔😢 Rest in Peace Beautiful girl 💞🦋

[@mariaagel8764]

Prayers & Blessings for the family, she has an amazing father 💯🙏

[@scarlet09x]

Heartbreaking 💔💔

[@lv7118]

Ah bless her brother.

[@feeking1153]

😢😢😢😢 this is so devastating- RIP Coral…you sweet little Angel - poor family!! I can’t even fathom this act of horror 😭😭

[@charkay192]

😭😭💞💞 rest peacefully little darling. Next time you open your eyes, only goodness and beauty FOREVER😭😭😭💞💞

[@sparker3090]

Oh that poor little girl, she must have been terrified, so very sad..my heart breaks for her Dad & family..😢💜💜

[@chelseasbeautyxo5402]

Rest peacefully you beautiful angel coral 💓💓💓

[@shell7626]

poor darling,so sad...

[@clintonsimmonds3956]

The little girl is loved as a pure angle in the towers of heaven.

[@clare1971]

What an incredible child storm was

[@jennynewman2873]

Very sad such a beautiful baby girl up with the angles now

[@nesadcruz7840]

The school was negligent too, not infoming the Mum. With a kid that young they should have known she wasnt in school.

[@Adam-im3uz]

Her mother didn't care about her. Wake up to the facts.

[@nesadcruz7840]

@@Adam-im3uz still it is the responsibility of the school to inform. I say this as a former teacher. Whether the parents cared or not is a secondary matter.

[@jandalgal]

That poor father and brother. What a tragedy 😢

[@maryrose4712]

OMG, how could her mother invite this monster into her home and trust him with her children??

[@neiloshodges2816]

Because they are selfish and only think about themselves. The 'mother' of my kids left me for a violent criminal who I have been told has links to this horrific crime. My children came and told me that this scumbag was in the house and had been shouting at my son. I fought through the court to keep him away from my children and thankfully I succeeded.

[@Dilley_G45]

He was a strong...self confident...assertive cool guy...she didn't like average guy with a steady job and no drama... Not the only NZ woman like that lol...Although when they are single moms they usually want a more steady guy but when solo they still take the bad guy for "fun". 5 years of dating in New Zealand and I hope I will be able to change my mind one day about it...haven't given up hope completely yet lol

[@RabMcGlinchie]

@@neiloshodges2816 not all mothers, come on. Your personal experience doesn't mean that all mothers are like your ex. Obviously there are too many "parents" who are selfish and ignorant but dads don't always get it right either. Sounds like you're just trying to score points, glad your kids are safe now but don't forget that not all women are like your ex.

[@sparker3090]

Love the brothers!! Ron you are a lovely Dad.. 🩵

[@randomvintagefilm273]

The mother must be riddled with guilt.

[@mrcolumbo664]

Corals dad has the strength of a hundred men! I dont know how id cope.

[@chalkydavis4364]

The pitcher she drew, got me. Wow thoughts are with you family. RIP Coral, teddy bear dreams.

[@bighoose]

The house in Carols last picture has the letter P in it. Her killer was high on P when he killed her. wow

[@KQuinn672]

breaks my heart....poor child...poor family (

[@kylieoliver5846]

the father brother and best friend were so kind,didnt the mum have a kid to the guy in jail

[@lisacameron4698]

20 yrs later and this stuff is still happening to our babies.

[@katherinewhismancomstock5397]

I feel so sorry for her family God bless you all. I'm begging for changes in child protective rights. Even here in the states all the children's protection laws need rewriting. Even when a child cries out for help here, they aren't taken seriously.

[@darkecoromantica4879]

What the hell Carol do to him to make him kill her?! She's a child! Why would the mom date a man knowing he was threat and let him be around her children?! That woman was better without a man. A man isn't worth it.

[@jimijamesjowitt]

Peedo molestor was about to be dobbed on so he tried disappear the witness/victim.

[@CC12398]

Storm is an adorable lovely young man ❤️

[@RustyGarageAus]

Think the mother knew what happened Her face said it all in one clip And where is she for this doco?

[@bridgetbiss886]

This has Haunted me ever since it happened, Beautiful Innocent Coral, your FOREVER in my heart. Meth and Families don't mix.

[@karenacton3854]

So this felon suffered fromabuse himself. So that gives him the green light to kill an innocent girl....no excuse will do.

[@jimijamesjowitt]

Oh he suffered from abuse. In prison too. The guards always protected him though.

[@Lisadonna-fy9wz]

Rest In Peace Coral darling xoxoxo

[@leighsnook8544]

some of these comments are just shameful! I was in my teens and remember her brave little face in the media a girl who's ending changed a lot of things for people and places most of all improvements in a very important system so not all is negative in her lost . may the family continue to heal an her memories be cherished! please contact O.T or the police if you have any concerns for any child .

[@navajoauckland6003]

Fucking heartbreaking . Love hugs and kisses

[@Joshualuv13]

I'm always shocked by these stories as far as the so called Boyfriends ..some woman let around their children. When a lot of this could be completely prevented .Please, I beg mother's out there to put their children first and not let these creeps around these precious children.

[@debbierosinger2396]

Just so heartbreaking and heartfelt abuse of this precious little girl how could they do this and go on her boyfriend Hope's they both get the death penalty she had to know something was wrong and didn't do anything rest in peace precious little girl always amen God has his arms around you.always bless you always amen

[@jasontemel896]

Ive never fogotten this sad case i frequently worked near the memorial of teddy bears slowly fading in time Rest in peace Coral

[@paigebartlett685]

RIP beautiful angel

[@KQuinn672]

comforting a murderer??

[@jane12phillips]

What a very sad story.may they find peace

[@RollinBolders]

Good on you Storm Proud of you brother...!!!

[@sav-hg]

Disgusted. So fucking disgusted.

[@rosebc5289]

The only person to blame is the killer. No one should be blaming the mother without walking through her shoes first.

[@nesadcruz7840]

Parents shouldnt expose their kids and let such dangerous criminals take care of their kids or be alone with them.

[@kerridavis2630]

Agreed 💯

[@katharinekopa-tonga613]

fly high beautiful girl💕💕

[@jasonwaihape2010]

Ida is trying to get compensation & I understand why. Me & Colleen grew up together in Lister Pl. I first spoke to Sam when I was kicking with Tubby..Sam was raised a Te Hei but he's actually a King. Coral had similar fate..sad

[@tamzlockz7883]

poor girl 😢

[@starchildslover]

i notice that CPS diddn't act then when corals dad rang and expressed his concerns for the kids safety, CPS diddn't give 2 fat tosses, but the gestapo CPS will uplift children on false allegations CPS could have saved this beautiful little girl

[@QuantumRex6807]

Truly a sad story

[@zc6346]

Like hello, seriously? Mum says she wouldn't have allowed her then boyfriend around her kids had she known about his previous conviction. Poor woman is devastated. Yet some smartie pants think it's okay to blame her 🤦🏻‍♂️🤦🏻‍♂️🤦🏻‍♂️

[@boosaccount783]

Coral flying high ∆😇∆

[@CocoLico-fh5py]

Always remembered coral