Police investigating the murder of 69 year-old Cun Xui Tian in her Te Atatu home on Friday say the elderly woman suffered a vicious assault before her death.
A post-mortem examination was carried out late yesterday afternoon, which concluded that Madam Tian had been struck several times around the head and face.
“Whilst we will not be drawn further on the specifics of the attack, I can say that Madam Tian has been the victim of a prolonged assault. This is an utterly appalling attack on an elderly woman in the place where she should have felt safe” says Detective Senior Sergeant Roger Small.
The Operation Nepal team has around 25 investigators, as well as additional specialist staff, including criminal profilers.
Today Detectives have been back at the scene in Te Atatu, canvassing the wider area and speaking to residents about any movements or suspicious behaviour on the day of and before Madam Tian’s death.
An ESR forensic scene examination has continued at the scene, and Police expect to be there for at least another two days.
Police would like all Te Atatu residents to check their doors and windows for any jemmy marks, that could show whether a person has recently tried to break in. Residents are asked to look for the following;
-Marks on doors and window frames that look like scratches or that someone has tried to lever or jemmy a door or window open.
-Soil on door frames or outside window ledges that could have come from shoes.
-Footprints or dirty marks on outside window ledges.
“One of our lines of enquiry is the possibility that the offender has attempted to break into other properties in Te Atatu before Friday. It may be that residents haven’t noticed this and we need people to check for us. If you do find something , please don’t touch it, call us immediately on our 0800 number – 0800 77 22 71 or the Henderson Police” says Det Snr Sgt Small.
“We appreciate that this is a frightening situation for the Te Atatu area, however I can reassure the community that we are doing everything possible to identify and apprehend this offender" he says.
“Te Atatu is a strong and solid community who will not stand for this – we have good support from the residents and they are helping us in every way they can. Let me reiterate that no piece of information is too small, please ring us if you’ve seen anything whatsoever that appeared a bit odd” he says.
You can contact the Operation Nepal team on 0800 77 22 71 or email operation.nepal@police.govt.nz
Information can also be given anonymously to the organisation Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
ENDS
Beth Bates/Waitemata Police
Media please note, at this stage no further updates are expected to be provided tonight.
