Woman's death treated as suspicious

Police released this photo of Mary Donnelly on their website and hope anyone who saw her last Wednesday will come forward. Photo / NZ Police

Police are treating the death of an intellectually disabled woman in her Upper Hutt home as a homicide.

Mary Donnelly, 38, was found dead in her flat about 10.15pm by family members last Wednesday.

Ms Donnelly was living independently but had the support of a caregiver and her family, police said.

Detective Senior Sergeant Dave Thornton said police had confirmed Ms Donnelly's death was suspicious.

"While I can't say specifically how Mary died, I can confirm it was as a result of an injury,'' he said.

"Mary often visited the shops in Upper Hutt. She was also very interested in karaoke and attended karaoke evenings at the Upper Hutt Cossie Club. So a number of people in the community will know her.''

Forensic experts have joined a team of 20 officers in the investigation.

Ms Donnelly's flat remained a crime scene and would be examined for several more days, Mr Thornton said.

"I'd like to reassure Upper Hutt people that we're working extremely hard on this investigation and, with their help, we hope to bring it to a speedy conclusion.''

Police were appealing to anyone who saw Ms Donnelly any time on Wednesday last week.

"We'd also like to speak to her friends and acquaintances, so we would encourage them to contact us to assist our investigation,'' Mr Thornton said.

Anyone with information should contact police on 04 560 4961 or Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.