Napier homicide: Teen girl charged with interfering in Kaea Karauria murder investigation

Kaea Karauria, 15, from Napier was killed in a fight on May 11. Photo / Supplied

A teenage girl has been charged with interfering in the investigation into the murder of 15-year-old Napier schoolboy Kaea Karauria.

Police say a young girl was taken into custody yesterday after officers investigating Karauria’s death learned a witness was approached and allegedly threatened.

Just weeks before his 16th birthday, Karauria was attacked and fatally stabbed at a birthday party in the Napier suburb of Onekawa on May 11.

He died early on Mother’s Day as an ambulance crew tried to save him.

Detective Inspector Dave de Lange said the alleged incident occurred on May 12, a day after the fight in which the teenager was killed.

De Lange said police learned of the approach on June 6, while conducting follow-up inquiries.

The teen has been charged with wilfully attempting to pervert the course of justice and will reappear in the Hastings Youth Court next month.

Napier teen Kaea Karauria died after he suffered fatal stab wounds on a street in Onekawa on May 11.

De Lange said any form of witness tampering was treated seriously.

“When a witness is threatened, or attempts are made to sabotage an investigation, police will act without hesitation.

“This should be a warning to anyone who contemplates interfering with justice.”

De Lange encouraged anyone with information about the murder to contact police.

“Kaea deserves justice, as does his family, so if you can help please talk to us,” he said.

Information can also be reported online, or by calling 105 and referencing the file number 250511/1317.

Information can also be provided anonymously to Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.

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