23 Dec 2023

Name of fatal Christchurch stabbing victim released

3:31 pm on 23 December 2023
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.

Photo: RNZ / Patrice Allen

Police have named the victim of a fatal stabbing in Christchurch early Friday morning.

He was Anaru Thomas Williams, 27.

"Our thoughts are with his whānau and loved ones at this difficult time," police said in a statement Saturday.

Police were called to the carpark of Wycola Park in Hei Hei about 1.50am, where Williams was found dead with stab wounds.

Another man, aged 36, was taken into custody and is assisting police with inquiries in relation to an assault, Detective Inspector Nicola Reeves said Friday.

There will continue to be a police presence in the area while investigations are underway.

Anyone with information on the case can contact police by phone on 105, or online at 105.police.govt.nz - using "update report", referencing file number 231222/9398.