An Australian ex-soldier has been handed a life sentence for murdering Gold Coast night club singer Tony Williams from Ngāi Te Rangi.
Williams was found dead in his home three years ago after being beaten to death with a hammer.
Photos are the only memories left for the family of Tony Williams, but his mum says justice has been served.
27-year-old Matthew Cox was sentenced to life in prison by a jury in the Brisbane Supreme Court.
It heard how Cox had viciously bashed Williams with a hammer at his Mermaid Waters property in 2011.
Te Kāea visited the home of Kiriwaitai and Whanake Williams on Christmas day, two days after the murder.
At the time, their pain was raw and the devastation was very real.
20 family members travelled to Brisbane from Tauranga to attend the trial to support Kiriwaitai and Whanake, and they feel a burden has been lifted.
Though he's passed on, Williams will remain in the memories of his family.