A victim of assault in Wanganui has died this morning (Tuesday, 17 February), elevating the investigation to homicide.
The 44-year-old female victim, who is not being named at this stage, sustained head injuries when she was assaulted in the Titoki Street area in the early hours of Sunday, February 15.
She had been taken to the Intensive Care Unit at Wellington Hospital in a critical condition to undergo neurological surgery. Late last night she was taken off life support and died in the early hours of this morning. A post mortem will be carried out this afternoon.
A 43-year-old Wanganui woman has already appeared in court on a charge of common assault, and a 22-year-old Wanganui man on a charge of being an accessory after the fact to common assault.
Detective Senior Sergeant Chris Bensemann advises that more serious charges will now be laid.
The charged woman is re-appearing at Wanganui District Court tomorrow (Wednesday, 18 February). The charged man is currently due to re-appear on 3 March but this date may now be brought forward.
Media enquiries should be referred to Communications Manager Kim Perks on 06 351 2546 or 027 234 8256.