28-Year-Old Inmate Charged with Manslaughter Over Death of 69-Year-Old Mt Eden Prison Assault Victim

A 28-year-old inmate at Mt Eden Corrections Facility has been charged with manslaughter following the death of 69-year-old Johnathan Peter Trubuhovich, who sustained critical injuries during a serious prison assault on November 29, 2025.

Trubuhovich was transported to hospital with critical injuries on November 29 after the assault occurred at the facility. He remained hospitalised for 11 days before dying from his injuries on December 9. A homicide investigation was launched on December 9 following his death, with Detective Senior Sergeant Martin Friend confirming the manslaughter charge on the 28-year-old inmate.

The charged inmate appeared in Auckland District Court today in connection with Trubuhovich's death. The charge represents a serious criminal proceeding arising from the fatal assault within the prison environment.

Mt Eden Corrections Interior

Mt Eden Corrections Facility acting general manager Edith Pattinson confirmed that Trubuhovich was housed in a shared cell at the time of the assault. The suitability of this cell placement has become a focal point of the ongoing review into the incident. An independent investigation by the Corrections Inspectorate will examine circumstances surrounding the assault and the adequacy of facility processes and procedures.

Pattinson stated that if the investigations and reviews identify areas requiring strengthened processes, the facility is committed to implementing changes with urgency. The victim's family has been in regular contact with Mt Eden Corrections, and Pattinson indicated the family will receive findings from the review once it is completed.

The fatal assault raises questions about inmate safety and cell placement procedures at Mt Eden Corrections Facility. The shared cell placement of a 69-year-old inmate with other prisoners is undergoing scrutiny as part of broader assessments of facility practices and safety protocols.

The incident marks another serious incident within New Zealand's correctional system and highlights ongoing concerns about prison safety and management procedures. The manslaughter charge and independent investigation will determine responsibility for the death and identify systemic issues that may have contributed to the fatal assault.