Christchurch Woman’s Murder Highlights Dangers of Stalking and Domestic Violence
A Christchurch family is mourning the loss of Chantal McDonald, a mother and daughter tragically murdered by a possessive stalker in July. The case underscores the escalating risks faced by individuals targeted by persistent harassment and the devastating consequences of unchecked obsession.
The family of Chantal McDonald released a statement on Wednesday, describing her as “a much-loved mother, daughter, sister, and friend. She was kind, hardworking, and deeply devoted to her children, who were always at the centre of her life.” They expressed devastation over the loss of a “vibrant life taken from us in such a senseless manner,” and emphasized their focus on supporting McDonald’s children and each other during this incredibly difficult time.
A History of Violence and Obsession
Nathan Boulter, the perpetrator, has a documented history of stalking and assaulting former partners. He pleaded guilty in November to the murder of McDonald, a crime committed in Parklands on July 23. Boulter is scheduled to be sentenced in February. According to a summary of facts presented to the court, Boulter “developed an unhealthy fixation with the victim” after a brief relationship with McDonald in May. When she ended the relationship after he was recalled to prison for prior offenses and requested no further contact, his behavior escalated.
Escalating Harassment and Threats
Following his release, Boulter initiated a campaign of relentless electronic harassment, making 581 calls to McDonald between July 7 and July 20, 2025 – all of which she ignored. He simultaneously utilized multiple cell phone numbers and social media profiles to harass, stalk, and threaten her. On July 14, he sent McDonald deeply disturbing messages via email, including threats such as “chop u down to nothing” and a chilling message stating, “one two guess who’s coming to you! Your lack of human compassion and empathy will be the death of you one day soon my Lil hoe! Xxx.”
McDonald, understandably fearing for her safety, began locking her front gate with a padlock and confided in friends and family about Boulter’s escalating threats.
The Fatal Attack
On July 22, Boulter purchased a knife. The following evening, he surveilled McDonald’s home, where she lived with her children, a flatmate, and the flatmate’s children. He hid behind a tree across the street, lying in wait. At approximately 7:50 p.m., as McDonald and her children returned home from the supermarket and drove up the driveway, Boulter ambushed her as she attempted to close the gate.
He launched a “frenzied attack,” inflicting a horrific total of 55 stab wounds. McDonald’s children reportedly ran inside the house during the assault. She died within minutes.
A Disturbing Aftermath
Following the murder, Boulter fled the scene on foot and entered the home of a family he did not know on Queenspark Drive. He placed the knife on their kitchen bench before being asked to leave. He then called his stepfather and subsequently the police, confessing to the crime. “I just killed her now, I stabbed her to death, I f****d up, bro, I need you guys to come get me, I just killed her bro,” he reportedly told police.
Boulter was arrested shortly thereafter. This incident is not isolated; he was previously sentenced to eight years and six months in prison in 2012 for kidnapping and assaulting a former girlfriend during a 38-hour ordeal on Great Barrier Island.
The family has expressed their sincere gratitude to New Zealand Police, Victim Support, and Bell, Lamb & Trotter Funeral Directors for their support during this devastating time. They also acknowledged the kindness and compassion shown by the Parklands community.
This case serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of stalking and the urgent need for increased awareness and preventative measures to protect vulnerable individuals. Resources for those experiencing domestic violence are available [here](Source: 1News).
