PremiumDavid FisherSenior writer·NZ Herald·7 Aug, 2026 01:04 AM17 mins to read‌Convicted New Zealand fraudster Donald McPherson, born Alex Lang in Auckland, was previously cleared of the murder of his wealthy wife but a UK coroner has now concluded he killed her. Photo / Frances Hardy

A Kiwi man with multiple identities was acquitted of murdering his wife Paula Leeson in a 2024 United Kingdom court case. Her family believed he wanted to cash in multiple insurance policies worth $7 million. The Herald is republishing this 2022 investigation by David Fisher in light of today’s conclusion