Pritchard said police were still working to establish the circumstances surrounding Wharton’s death and were treating it as unexplained at this stage.
“Police have charged a man, who is known to the victim, with assault, assault with intent to injure and injuring with intent to injure, and he appeared in Lower Hutt District Court yesterday, where he was remanded in custody until his next appearance.”
Police are appealing to the public for any sightings of two adult women and one male in the area on December 14 between 8pm and 10pm.
Pritchard said one of the women was pushing a pram.
“We are asking if anyone saw them or anything of concern between Randwick Rd, York St, Awamutu Rd, Leighton Ave and around the intersections of Whites Line East and Waiwhetu Rd.”
Anyone with information which may assist police inquiries is asked to call the 105 phone service, quoting file number 241219/9880.
Information can also be provided anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.
