A Moment In Crime podcast: Callous and cruel - the murder of Valerie Heaney

Elliot Prakash was convicted of murdering Valerie May Heaney in 2022. Photo / David Clarkson

Christchurch caregiver Valerie May Heaney, 64, was found dead in the hallway of her Bromley home on April 4 2022.

Initially, police said her death was unexplained but after a post mortem examination, it became clear something violent and horrific had happened to Val.

Elliot Ajay Prakash, 43, was later charged with her murder.

Valerie Heaney was murdered in her Christchurch home in 2022. Photo / Facebook

He was a boarder at Heaney's home and the pair were sometimes lovers.

Why did Prakash kill Heaney - a caregiver known for her kind heart and generosity?

How did he try and cover his tracks?

Today, Herald podcast A Moment In Crime outlines the facts of Heaney's murder and why her killer was a ticking time bomb.

This episode is about domestic violence and may be upsetting for some people.

For a list of help agencies, scroll to the bottom of this story.

This is an extra episode of A Moment In Crime.

While our usual monthly episodes look at cases that have gripped New Zealand's interest over the years - there are plenty of cases before the courts that Leask and other NZME journalist are covering live that warrant a deeper look.

From complex murder trials to the cases destined for infamy, these extra episodes will show you what's really happening in your backyard - right now.

A Moment In Crime is written and hosted by senior journalist Anna Leask - who has been covering crime and justice for NZME since 2005.

Leask has also reported on most of the major incidents and events in New Zealand during that period including the Christchurch quakes, Pike River mine disaster, March 15 terror attack and the White Island eruption.

"Each month I'll take you inside some of our most infamous incidents, notorious offenders and behind the scenes of high-profile trials and events to show you what's really happening in your backyard," she said.

"Heroes and villains battle for justice to be done, and it seems no matter how horrifying the story, we always want to know more."

A Moment In Crime is produced by Leask, iHeart radio podcast producer Adam Pomana, and NZ Herald podcast production manager Ethan Sills.

Episodes of a Moment In Crime are usually released monthly on nzherald.co.nz, iheart radio and all your usual podcast apps.

If there is a case you would like to hear about on A Moment In Crime, email anna.leask@nzme.co.nz

And if you love this podcast, you might enjoy some of the others produced by NZME journalists including Chasing Ghosts and The Fifty Year Secret.

Domestic violence - do you need help?

If you're in danger now:

1. • Phone the police on 111 or ask neighbours of friends to ring for you.
2. • Run outside and head for where there are other people.
3. • Scream for help so that your neighbours can hear you.
4. • Take the children with you.
5. • Don't stop to get anything else.
6. • If you are being abused, remember it's not your fault. Violence is never okay

Where to go for help or more information:

1. • Shine, free national helpline - 0508 744 633 www.2shine.org.nz
2. • Women's Refuge: Free national crisis line operates 24/7 - 0800 refuge or 0800 733 843 www.womensrefuge.org.nz
3. • Shakti: Providing specialist cultural services for African, Asian and middle eastern women and their children. Crisis line 24/7 0800 742 584
4. • It's Not Ok: Information line 0800 456 450 www.areyouok.org.nz