"We thought it was the house. Because we can see from our window officers walking up to the house and then people coming out in their scrubs."
Gemmell said she just assumed it was some type of raid and didn't think any more about it.
But when security guards remained overnight and the street was cordoned off on Monday she realised it was something more serious.
"It's just kinda freaky, it's really scary to think someone died.
"It's an awful situation, it's just so sad really, especially someone so young.
"I would like to know what happened, I guess they'll release that at a later time."
Detective Senior Sergeant Warwick McKee says the death remains unexplained.
A post mortem has been completed and a scene examination is underway in Devon St, where the party was held.
He says a number of police staff will be completing an area canvas with residents in the Aro Valley Area over the next few days.
In the meantime officers want to hear from anyone who attended the party or saw or heard any activity around Epuni and Devon Streets between 3am and midday on Sunday.