26 Dec 2022

Man charged with kidnapping following woman's motorway death

11:01 pm on 26 December 2022
Unexplained death in Taita, Lower Hutt early on Sunday 26th January 2020.  A Police cordon and crime scene invetsigation tent were in place Monday 27th January 2020.

A homicide inquiry has been launched following the death of a woman in the early hours of this morning. Photo: RNZ / Patrice Allen

A 20-year-old man has appeared before the Counties Manukau District Court in relation to a death on the South-Western Motorway (SH20) on Monday.

Police launched a homicide inquiry after a 19-year-old woman was involved in a one-car crash at 3.24am on 26 December and died.

Detective Inspector Warrick Adkin said the man had been charged with kidnapping, driving while banned, and refusing a blood test.

It was likely more charges would follow, he said.

Adkin earlier said there were vehicles on the motorway at the time of the crash and asked witnesses with dashboard cameras to review their footage and contact police if they had captured any imagery which may help the investigation.

Police asked anyone with information to contact them on 105, citing reference 221226/9917, or anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.