A Givealittle page set up for slain Auckland woman Blessie Gotingco has raised more than $60,000.
In May 2014, the mother-of-three was brutally raped and killed by Tony Robertson as she walked the final few hundred metres home from her local bus stop.
Robertson is now living out life in prison with a minimum non-parole period of 24 years along with preventive detention for the rape.
Yesterday, Antonio Gotingco, Blessie's husband, released a letter to the public saying he was taking a legal action against the Department of Corrections.
Mr Gotingco says that much like Robertson, Corrections has "blood on its hands" for not suitably managing the release of Robertson, who was already a convicted sex offender prior to killing Ms Gotingco.
"They must be willing to take the responsibility. They are the authority that was supposedly monitoring that evil person.
"They put the criminal in our neighbourhood when all the records indicate that it is only a matter of time until this offender reoffends again."
Earlier this week, an independent report stated Corrections had done everything they could to manage the risk.
Mr Gotingco disagrees, and told The Nation the report was a "huge insult to his intelligence".
"If they did everything possible, then my wife would still be alive today."
The Givealittle page had drawn more than 1800 donors by 1pm on Saturday. It states the money will feed directly into helping fund the Gontingco's legal battle.
"We are undertaking our own true investigation into the mis-management of Tony Robertson. Forensic experts regarding GPS, behavioural experts regarding sex offenders and the management of them. Every dollar will be spent wisely and critically. Should there be funds remaining after the investigation, these will be put towards the legal costs of the case," the page says.
Earlier on The Nation, Gotingco Family spokeswoman Ruth Money said the case is about more than getting justice for Blessie -- it is about fixing a broken system.
"We shouldn't be complacent. We can't put our hands in the air and say 'oh they're difficult to manage, we're not going to even try'."
"That inquiry serves to highlight that we don't get it. Our system doesn't get it, and it needs to get it for public safety."
Corrections Regional Commissioner Jeanette Burns says: "We fully acknowledge the ongoing pain and immense grief suffered by the Gotingco family. We also fully respect their right to consider private legal proceedings.
"I have met previously with the family, and as previously offered, I am available to meet with them again at any time that they wish.
"At this preliminary stage, we have no further comment to make."
Antonio and his family have set up a Givealittle page to help cover the cost of their civil law suit. If you wish to donate, you can find the link here.
Newshub.
