The mother of murdered 15-year-old schoolgirl Liberty Templeman has today taken the stand in the High Court trial at Whangarei, recalling the fateful night of her daughter’s death.
Rebecca Templeman told the court that she frantically searched for her daughter on the night of her disappearance, November 1, 2008.
Mrs Templeman said she became concerned after Liberty failed to respond to several text messages.
A 16-year-old boy, who has name suppression, is accused of murdering Liberty. He was 14-years-old when the alleged attack occurred.
Mrs Templeman said she called the accused on the night, after finding out from Liberty’s friends that he was the last person she was seen with.
Liberty’s mother said she called the boy again in the morning, as she couldn’t understand a half hour time difference to when the boy left Liberty and when he said he received a phone call from someone.
Mrs Templeman spoke of her fond relationship with “Libby”, and said her daughter was looking forward to a new life in Auckland.
The family had moved from Kerikeri just weeks before she was murdered.
Liberty’s father Andrew Templeman will take the stand later today.
3 News