'From a rapist to a murderer': Teen accused in Deveny Nel murder faced rape charge in 2020

Lester Kiewit interviews Lucinda Evans, a women's rights activist.

Listen below.

The senseless murder of 16-year-old Deveny Nel has exposed critical failings within our justice system.

Nel's body was discovered on Wednesday, 14 August, in a locked school storeroom.

She had been stabbed to death. The accused is a 17-year-old who reportedly sexually assaulted an 11-year-old in 2020 when he was 13.

This tragedy highlights how the system has failed Nel and the suspect’s earlier victim. It also neglected to provide the alleged perpetrator with the necessary intervention and rehabilitation. 

RELATED: Teen arrested for Deveney Nel murder: 'They've known each other since primary school'

Evans questions why the recommended interventions were not implemented and demands clarity on the reasons behind this oversight

She suggests that had these steps been taken, Nel might still be alive.

"He wasn't found criminally culpable at age 13. Four years later, he kills."

- Lucinda Evans, women's rights activist

"He's a murderer now. From a rapist to a murderer."

- Lucinda Evans, women's rights activist

Evans shifts the spotlight to the parents of the accused, criticising their failure to inform the school about the earlier sexual assault.

She highlights a critical gap in support systems, expressing deep concern that children and teens lack proper avenues to voice their concerns and receive help.

Additionally, she questions what resources are in place for students and educators at the school, where the accused’s sibling continues to attend.

"To the parents of the murderer, you knew your son was a violent rapist when he started school, and now he is a murderer."

- Lucinda Evans, women's rights activist

Scroll up to the audio player to listen to the interview.