Man Who Killed German Backpacker Seeks to Clear His Name

Michael Scott Wallace, a man serving a life sentence for the 2005 murder of a German backpacker, is seeking to clear his name through the Criminal Case Review Commission.

During a recent appearance before the Parole Board, Wallace stated that he is not currently seeking release from prison, but is instead focusing on his rehabilitative journey and the effort to overturn his conviction.

Wallace confirmed he sent a letter to the Criminal Case Review Commission shortly before Christmas of last year to begin the process of clearing his name. Speaking to the panel, Wallace noted that the commission is moving forward but is managing a significant backlog, stating, “They’ve got a heck of a backlog but they are going forward and it may take a wee bit longer for them to investigate.”

The 2005 Homicide

The case dates back to September 20, 2005, when Wallace picked up Birgit Brauer as she was hitchhiking between Whanganui and New Plymouth. Wallace drove Brauer to Lucy’s Gully in Te Papa-Kura-o-Taranaki, known formerly as Egmont National Park, where he bludgeoned her with a metal bar.

Brauer’s body was discovered by a jogger on September 20, 2005. Investigators found her jeans unbuttoned, which was cited as an indication of sexual intent. Court details indicated that after being disturbed by a passing vehicle, Wallace dragged Brauer into the bush and stabbed her in the chest.

Investigation and Conviction

The discovery of Brauer’s body triggered an 18-day manhunt. Wallace, who was 44 at the time and described as a drug-taking transient with an extensive criminal history, disposed of evidence before traveling to the Manawatū area. He was arrested nearly three weeks after the killing.

Although Wallace denied the murder, a jury found him guilty. In 2007, he was sentenced to life imprisonment with a non-parole period of 18 years.

The Criminal Case Review Commission has not yet provided a timeline for the completion of its investigation into the conviction.