Homicide inquiry after teen dies
Ex-tenant reality TV star urges people to ring the police instead of contacting her
Ayoung woman found dead in a Mangere house at the weekend has yet to be formally identified. Police launched a homicide inquiry after the body of the 17-yearold was found at a social housing property in Buckland Rd.
Former X Factor NZ contestant Ashley Tonga told her Facebook followers that she had lived in the house for the past decade up until a week ago.
She did not live at the house when the body was found.
The reality television star urged people to ring the police and ask them about it instead of contacting her.
A Housing New Zealand spokesman confirmed that the house was one of its properties but said the longterm tenants moved out on June 28.
“Police have been conducting a scene examination at the address and are following lines of inquiries to establish the circumstances around the death,” Detective Inspector Tofilau Faa Vaaelua said. An autopsy has been conducted. Neighbours told the Herald police and emergency staff started arriving at the property on Monday. One neighbour, who asked not to be identified, said a large tent was put up at the back of the property. “By about lunchtime, we saw them come out with a body.” Neighbours said a family who had lived at the house for a long time had moved out between two to three weeks ago.
It was not known whether a new family had moved in already. A neighbour said police officers doorknocked homes asking whether anyone had seen a young woman around the area. At the scene a large blue tent stood in the front yard.
Police tape was strung around the front of the driveway and police officers and security staff patrolled the scene.
Forensic officers wearing face masks could be seen inside the brick house.
HFor video of the scene see nzherald.co.nz Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and Neve Te Aroha.