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A man accused of killing a child in east Auckland and then turning up to a police station with the victim’s body in a vehicle has appeared in court today, February 5.
The 37-year-old was arrested and charged last month after he arrived at the Manukau Police Station and spoke to officers present at about 1am on January 6.
The body of a child was then found inside a vehicle parked nearby.
He’s been charged with murder. Police allege he smothered the child with a pillow in East Tamaki.
The names of the defendant, who lived in South Auckland, and the child are suppressed.
Police say the man was known to the child’s family.
He appeared before Justice Mathew Downs in the Auckland High Court today represented by defence counsel Sharyn Green and did not enter a plea to the charge.
The man was remanded in custody and is scheduled to go on trial in May next year.
Police earlier said a post-mortem on the child and other enquiries were being carried out and Victim Support was assisting the child’s parents.
Acting Detective Inspector Veronica McPherson of Counties Manukau Police’s criminal investigation branch previously appealed for information from anyone with information on the incident.
“Police are not seeking anyone else in connection to this death,” she said.
“We would like to hear from anyone who witnessed any suspicious activity around the Waiouru Road area in Highbrook and East Tamaki between 8.30pm and 1am on the evening of Sunday, January 5.
“Police would also like to hear from anyone who observed a blue-coloured Nissan Bluebird in that area between those times.
“If you have any information that could help our enquiries, please update us online now or call 105. Please use the reference number 250106/7049.”
Information can also be provided anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
