Three more teens charged with murder over US student Kyle Whorrall’s bus stop death

Three more people have been charged with the murder of Kyle Whorrall at an Auckland bus stop nearly eight months after his death.

Whorrall, a 33-year-old American national, was killed in an attack in St Johns during Easter Weekend while he was waiting at a bus stop.

Today, police said two 18-year-olds and a 17-year-old have been charged jointly with murder and aggravated robbery.

Kyle Whorrall was fatally attacked at a bus stop on St Johns Rd

The 17-year-olds are appearing in the Auckland Youth Court today, while the 18-year-old will appear in the Kaikohe Youth Court.

Auckland City CIB Detective Inspector Glenn Baldwin said teams of detectives executed simultaneous warrants in Kaikohe, Mt Wellington and Manurewa this morning.

Six people have now been charged in connection with the homicide investigation.

These include two 18-year-olds, four 17-year-olds charged with murder and aggravated robbery and one 33-year-old woman charged with two counts of being an accessory after the fact to murder.

About 100 people gathered for a vigil for Kyle Whorrall at a St Johns Rd bus stop on April 24, 2025. Photo / Dean Purcell

Baldwin said police now believed they had identified all those involved; but inquiries continue.

One of the 17-year-olds and the 33-year-old pleaded not guilty in May.

Justice Graham Lang ordered a four-week trial to start on August 31 next year.

Another of the 17-year-olds appeared in the Auckland Youth Court after his arrest last week.

Baldwin said he had spoken with Whorrall’s mother, Carole, this morning to update her on the development.

“This represents eight months of incredibly determined investigative work by a team of very focused detectives,” he said.

“Our team has never lost sight of our objective – to identify and hold those responsible for Kyle’s senseless death to account.

“I really want to commend the tenacity and professionalism of the team, who have worked countless hours to seek justice on behalf of Kyle’s family and the wider community.”

Whorrall was attacked at a bus stop on St Johns Rd on April 19.

Originally from Los Angeles, he was in the last stages of a PhD in entomology at the University of Auckland and was based at Landcare Research in St Johns.

Carole Whorrall with her partner at the memorial auction for her slain son, US student Kyle Whorrall. Photo / Alex Burton

In October, Carole put out an emotional message to the public to come forward with information.

“I remain deeply grateful for the continued, tireless efforts of the police in their pursuit of justice for Kyle.

“Their unwavering dedication to identifying and apprehending all those involved in his murder is commendable.

“While my foremost priority is securing justice for Kyle and ensuring his legacy endures, I am equally concerned for the safety and well-being of all New Zealanders,” she said.