Relief for Te Atatu community after Cunxiu Tian killer admits murder

Family and friends gathered for a vigil after Cunxiu Tian was murdered in Te Atatu last year. Photo / Greg Bowker

The Te Atatu community has some relief today after the teenage killer of a 69-year-old local woman pleaded guilty to her murder.

Cunxiu Tian was murdered in her family home in January last year.

She was home alone, and found dead by her daughter several hours after she was killed.

Jaden Lee Stroobant, 19, was set to go on trial this morning at the High Court in Auckland for the killing before he pleaded guilty to murder and sexual violation charges.

But Te Atatu Baptist Church spokesman Des Marett said it's not the end of the story for the community, or a family still in mourning.

"It gives a small amount of relief but of course the pain and loss isn't going to go away so that pain is going to need to be supported."

He says from past experience the pain can continue for a long time.

"It's relief that something's been done and the police have provided some protection, but the family's still going to need support."

The Crown will be seeking preventive detention.

Stroobant will be sentenced on March 13.