‘Hand of death' murderer Kevin James Pettiford hears from victim’s family during sentencing

The daughter of slain rough sleeper Andrew ‘Murray has spoken out during the sentencing of “Hand of Death” murderer Kevin Pettiford - who wanted to become the nation’s most prolific serial killer.

Kevin Pettiford is being sentenced over the murder of Tweed/Byron rough sleeper Andrew Murray, 56, and attempted murder of Cessnock prison inmate Nathan Mellows. It’s also accepted he slayed homeless Sunshine Coast man David Collin, 53. Picture: Supplied

The self-described “Hand of Death” who brutally slayed two homeless men and attempted to murder an inmate while in custody could spend the rest of his life behind bars.

Kevin James Pettiford, 38, sat in prison greens, uncuffed in the dock twirling a finger through his scraggly beard during his sentencing hearing in the NSW Supreme Court on Thursday.

Pettiford told police he wanted to become Australia’s most prolific serial killer.

The crime scene at Jack Evans Boat Harbour, Tweed Heads. Picture: Jodie Calcott.

A jury found Pettiford guilty in December 2023 of murdering Byron Bay rough sleeper Andrew ‘Andy’ Whyte Murray, 56, at Jack Evans Boat Harbour, Tweed Heads in 2019.

Pettiford was also found guilty of the attempted murder of Cessnock prisoner Nathan Mellows whose throat he slashed at Shortland Correctional Centre five weeks later.

‘Extremely happy and in love’: Andrew Murray remembered by former partner after shock killing

It was accepted during the trial that Pettiford also killed homeless man David Collin, 53, on the Sunshine Coast, Queensland in 2019 and slashed a prison officer’s arm in 2020. He used a blade he concealed in his groin.

Crown prosecutor Brendan Campbell told Justice Hament Dhanji that life imprisonment was the only reasonable option.

David Collin.

He said Justice Dhanji should reject contention Pettiford was in a manic state at the time of the murder and attempted murder.

Pettiford pleaded not guilty, but the jury determined he was not mentally impaired at the time.

Mr Campbell noted Pettiford was ultimately not found guilty of manslaughter rather than murder on the basis of substantial impairment.

“It was a brutal, callous, killing,” he said.

Mr Murray’s daughter delivered a victim impact statement recalling the night police showed up at her doorstep to deliver the news.

“Nothing prepares you for the death of a parent,” she said.

“He had a wicked sense of humour and was far too smart for his own good.

“Our family have suffered from profound sorrow and anger.

“We his family had to organise a funeral without being able to take him home.”

She said writing her statement was “overwhelming, unbelievably infuriating and devastating”.

Andrew Murray.

“My father didn’t get the chance to walk me down the aisle on my wedding day or have a father/daughter dance I’ve seen many of my friends enjoy,” she said.

“He won’t be here to see the birth of his first granddaughter due in July.

“He isn’t here anymore and he has the right to be.

“We can only ask that the person responsible for such a disgusting and pathetic act be held accountable.”

Pettiford’s fate will be determined on March 27.

Originally published as ‘Hand of death' murderer Kevin James Pettiford hears from victim’s family during sentencing