The courageous daughter of a disabled woman who was fatally assaulted by her abusive partner has recounted the harrowing details in court. Robert Karl Huber, 69, subjected his partner Lindy ‘Kimmy’ Lucena, 64, to repeated violence during their five-year relationship before ultimately causing her death on January 3, 2023, while they were living on the streets in Ballina, Australia.
Under the influence of alcohol and sedatives, Huber launched a brutal attack on Lucena, resulting in severe injuries. Lucena’s daughter emotionally described the horrific aftermath of the assault, highlighting her mother’s vulnerability and fear during the attack.
Despite not succumbing directly to her injuries, the court determined that the assault significantly contributed to Lucena’s death, compounded by pre-existing health conditions. Huber’s history of controlling and abusive behavior towards Lucena, leading her to miss important events like her daughter’s wedding, was revealed during the trial.
Exploiting Lucena’s cognitive and physical limitations from a previous stroke, Huber demonstrated manipulative behavior. Despite expressing remorse for the incident, Huber’s denial of the extent of the violence was deemed dishonest by the judge, who cited evidence of repeated strikes.
Justice Rothman criticized Huber’s lack of genuine accountability for the harm inflicted, noting his extensive criminal past and previous violation of protective orders. Huber received a sentence of 12 years and nine months in prison, with a possibility of parole in October 2032.
Following the sentencing, an inquiry will investigate the circumstances of Lucena’s death and the police response to the assault. Support resources for domestic abuse victims and their families were also provided for those in need of assistance.