NZ killer held 40 years in jail has photo of victim-like girl in cell

A New Zealand man serving a life sentence for a 1986 murder was found holding a photograph of a child who looked like the victim he killed.

Peter Joseph Holdem has been in prison for 40 years. He kidnapped 6-year-old Louisa Damodran on October 15, 1986, just 100 meters from her home in Bromley, Christchurch. He drove her to the Waimakariri River, throttled her, and drowned her. Holdem was already on parole at the time for the 1982 attempted rape of a 10-year-old. He first became eligible for parole in October 1996 and has been denied release at every subsequent hearing.

The Parole Board reviewed his case on October 12, 2026. Panel convener Neville Trendle told the board that Holdem had completed a high-intensity child sex offending program in May. He also attended 10 individual psychology sessions to address the homicide aspect of his crime. Holdem claimed these treatments changed his view of women and removed his anger. However, Trendle said the board struggled to understand the specifics of those changes. Holdem also had difficulty answering direct questions and often referred to past incidents where he felt he was a victim.

The board also examined items from Holdem's prison property. In 2024, officials found a photo of a young girl who resembled Damodran. Holdem stated the image was meant to remind him of the seriousness of his actions. Trendle described the board as less than satisfied with this explanation. The board also noted that Holdem had been approved for work outside prison and requested support for guided releases into the community. He told the panel that his first guided release was overwhelming because adjusting to life after 40 years in prison was difficult.

An updated risk assessment was requested before the hearing but was not finished. Trendle ruled that the board would not support a reintegration plan until that assessment is complete. He also requested a detailed psychological report on the gains Holdem made during treatment. The board asked for recommendations on any remaining treatment needs and an evaluation of Holdem's safety plan. Trendle observed that Holdem seemed to lack a clear understanding of the current plan's core elements.

Holdem was denied parole. He will appear before the board again by April 30, 2027. The board will review the new risk assessment and psychological reports before making another decision.