Police seek witnesses to Titahi Bay homicide

Wellington News Release 5:01pm 22 February 2005

People enjoying the sun at Titahi Bay beach, north of Porirua, watched in horror this morning as a woman was fatally stabbed in a car by her former partner.

Detective Inspector Rod Drew, head of Operation Beach, says the onlookers were unable to prevent the attack which happened around 10.45am at the northern end of the beach.

The victim is a mother of five children, aged between five and 11 years. She died on her 33rd birthday. A 32-year-old Porirua East man was found at the scene and formally arrested this afternoon. He will appear in the Porirua District Court at 10am tomorrow charged with murder.

"People at the beach saw the stabbing and called police who were quickly on the scene," Detective Inspector Drew says. "Despite the best efforts of police, ambulance and fire staff, the woman was unable to be revived."

He says she was stabbed several times with a knife which has since been recovered at the scene.

"Her family is naturally distraught and it will be some time before we get a clear picture of events leading this morning's tragedy," Detective Inspector Drew says. "Police won't be able to release her name until all the family is notified."

Police understand the couple recently separated and the man arrested was seeking reconciliation.

A team of 20 Kapita Mana and Wellington police staff are working on the inquiry. Part of the beach has been cordoned off for a scene examination but the metallic gold 1994 Mazda Familia car the victim was in is likely to be removed tonight for more detailed analysis.

Police are keen to speak with witnesses who were on the beach, or in businesses or houses overlooking the scene this morning between 10.30am and 11am. They are also interested in hearing from people who saw a man and a woman get into the car in the Takapuwahia Drive area between 10am and 10.30am this morning.

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