Jillian Clark Death: Former Commonwealth Games Shooter Charged with Murder

A former Commonwealth Games athlete has been charged with murder following the death of a veterinarian in South Otago, New Zealand. Ian Duff, 38, appeared in the Dunedin District Court on Tuesday, March 24, 2026, facing one charge of murder, according to reports.

Jillian Clark, a respected veterinarian, was found dead at a property on Adams Flat Road on January 24th. Police confirmed they responded to reports of a serious incident at the location. Earlier reporting indicated Clark had sustained multiple stab wounds, though this has not been officially confirmed by authorities.

Duff, a sport shooter who represented New Zealand at the 2006 Commonwealth Games in Melbourne, Australia, did not seek continued name suppression, according to court reports. He competed in skeet shooting, achieving 10th place in the singles event and 7th in the doubles competition. The 2006 Games, officially the XVIII Commonwealth Games, involved over 4,000 athletes from 71 Commonwealth Games Associations and were the largest sporting event Melbourne had hosted, surpassing the 1956 Summer Olympics in scale.

Crown prosecutor Richard Smith made no submissions regarding bail, noting Duff was currently receiving hospital treatment. Duff is scheduled to reappear in court on May 26th for a case review hearing.

Clark’s death followed closely after the funeral of her father, Jasper Clark, who died on January 11th, where she delivered the eulogy. She is survived by her mother, Joan Clark, and extended family in the South Otago region.

Colleagues have described Clark as a highly valued member of the veterinary community, with strong ties to the local farming community. John Smart, a former colleague at Clutha Vets, expressed shock at her death, stating the entire community was in mourning. Another former colleague, Tony Smith, described her as “an amazing person” deeply connected to the area she served.