Alan Culverwell death: Two charged with murder after father shot dead on boat during Panama pirate raid
Wife and daughter were also hurt during attack as family enjoyed dream sailing adventure from US back home to New Zealand
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Two men have been charged with murdering a New Zealand father who was shot dead after pirates boarded his family boat off the coast of Panama.
Leandro Herrera and Avelino Arosemena are accused of killing Alan Culverwell while his yacht was docked off the country's north eastern Guna Yala shore line.
His wife Derryn and 11-year-old daughter Briar were also hurt in last week's attack, prosecutor Tatiana Aguilar told a courthouse in the port city of Colon.
Briar's twin brother Flynn managed to escape the ordeal unhurt.
Mr Culverwell, 60, is understood to have been sleeping below deck with his family when he heard a noise on the yacht's roof. When he went up to check on the cause, he was fatally shot.
In the ensuing tussle, his wife was slashed with a machete but managed to lock herself and the children below cabin, while the pirates made off with the vessel’s outboard engine, prosecutors said.
A third suspect, a minor, also appeared in court in connection with the case but it is not clear if he is to be charged with murder.
The Culverwell’s had sold their house in the Marlborough Sounds region of New Zealand's South Island, and purchased the 65 ft yacht from a seller in Florida in the US.
They were sailing it back to their home country - making numerous stops along the way - when they were attacked.
Mr Culverwell’s sister, Derryn Hughes told the New Zealand Herald newspaper he was a loving husband, father and adventurer.
She said: “His family were his everything.”
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments