Second person charged with interference in Hawke’s Bay teen homicide investigation

A second person has been arrested after allegedly interfering in the investigation into the death of Kaea Karauria. Composite photo

A second person has been arrested by police for alleged interference in a homicide investigation after a Hawke’s Bay teen was stabbed to death.

A 21-year-old Napier woman was taken into custody on Thursday after police alleged that she had provided instructions to another person to destroy evidence in relation to the death of 15-year-old Kaea Karauria.

The alleged interference occurred on May 11, the day of the fight in which Kaea was killed, police said.

The woman has been charged with wilfully attempting to pervert the course of justice and will appear in the Napier District Court on June 26.

Detective Inspector Dave De Lange said police would continue to act without hesitation when a witness is threatened, or attempts are made to sabotage an investigation.

“Any witness tampering will be treated very seriously,” he said.

“We would still like to hear from anyone who has information about the incident. Our team continues to work hard on this investigation, as Kaea and his family deserve justice.”

Information can be reported via police’s 105 service, either over the phone or online, referencing file number 250511/1317.

Police have also set up a phoneline for those wanting to share information about the incident and people can leave a message on 0800 852 525.