Manawatu Police have commenced a homicide inquiry after the death of a 20-year-old woman at a private apartment block in the Massey area yesterday (13 March, 2015) evening.
At about 10pm yesterday police and ambulance were called to an address in the block where the woman lived. Attempts were made to resuscitate her, however she was pronounced dead at the scene.
Detective Sergeant Dave Thompson, officer in charge of the investigation says: “We believe an argument has occurred between the victim and a 21-year-old man who lived at the address. Officers have spoken with the man and he has been charged with male assaults female.”
The man appeared in the Palmerston North District Court this afternoon and was granted interim name suppression. He was remanded in custody and is due to reappear in the Court on Tuesday 17 March, 2015 with the likelihood of facing more serious charges.
“We can confirm both the victim and offender are Massey University students, and we have spoken with the victim’s parents and are supporting them while they contact other family members. The victim’s name will be released once formal identification is complete and after the post mortem which will take place tomorrow morning at Wellington Hospital.
“The post mortem will give us a clearer picture of how the woman has died.”
The services of Victim Support have also been offered to the victim’s family.
A scene examination is underway and ESR staff are supporting officers with this. Officers are conducting inquiries within the apartment block and the examination is expected to be completed by this evening.
“Over the next few days we will speak with close friends and family of both the victim and offender to try and piece together the events that led to this tragedy. We are also working closely with Massey University to ensure those directly affected and the wider student community have access to support services,” says Detective Sergeant Thompson.
Police is not seeking anyone else in relation to this investigation.
As there are matters before the Court police has no further comment to make at this time and will not be conducting interviews.
ENDS
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