Homicide investigation launched into baby's death
Police have launched a homicide investigation after the death of a two-month old baby girl in Whanganui.
Detective Senior Sergeant Neil Forlong said the baby, Hinekawa Topia, was driven to Whanganui Hospital by her parents just before 1pm on Thursday.
She was not breathing and attempts by her father and hospital staff to resuscitate her were unsuccessful.
A post mortem had concluded that a head injury suffered by Hinekawa was considered non-accidental, he said.
Hinekawa was one of triplets and the two other babies, both girls, were in hospital to be medically assessed and in the interim custody of Child Youth and Family, along with a five year-old boy.
"What we have been focusing on since Thursday afternoon is identifying everyone who will be able to assist us in building up a picture of Hinekawa's movements in recent weeks and her health. There are a number of people that we now need to speak to in detail as Hinekawa has recently stayed at both the family home and with extended whanau.
Twenty staff are working on the inquiry and two houses were put under police guard on Thursday, one in Whanganui and one in South Taranaki.
- © Fairfax NZ News
Staeven's death ruled a homicide
Criminal Stories Here
Comments