Tragic update after “horrific” suitcase discovery
Content warning: Graphic content
Human remains found in two suitcases by a New Zealand family late last week have been identified as belonging to two young children of primary school age, with police saying they may have been dead for years.
The family made the shocking discovery after purchasing the suitcases at an auction, along with other items from an abandoned storage locker in South Auckland.
Police were alerted to the discovery on Thursday, August 11, with neighbours telling local media of a “wicked smell” in the area at the time.
Detective Inspector Tofilau Faamanuia Vaaelua said initial post-mortem examinations suggested the remains were those of two children between the ages of five and ten.
“Early indications suggest these children may have been deceased for a number of years before being found last week,” he said during a press conference on Thursday. “We also believe the suitcases have been in storage for a number of years.”
Detective Inspector Vaaelau went on to suggest that the childrens’ remains may have been stored for three to four years.
He added that the family who purchased the items from the storage unit aren’t involved in the deaths and have asked for privacy.
“They are understandably distressed by the discovery, and they have asked for privacy. We are ensuring there is support in place for them,” he said.
Detective Inspector Vaaelau confirmed that New Zealand police have begun working with Interpol and making enquiries with overseas agencies as part of the investigation.
“As part of the investigation we are looking at canvassing and collecting CCTV, but given the period of time ... it’s going to be a challenge in itself,” he said.
“The investigation team are working very hard to hold accountable the person or persons responsible for the deaths of these children.”
Police are combing through the remaining items from the storage locker to establish any links and identify the remains, with Detective Inspector Vaaelau adding that contacting the next of kin was the biggest priority.
He declined to comment on the gender or state of the remains, or whether police believe the children are related over concerns it may compromise the investigation.
“That information is very important to the investigation and I’m not prepared to comment on that,” he said.
Though local media have suggested that the case may have links overseas, Detective Inspector Vaaelau remained tight-lipped, stressing that police could only say that the victims had relatives in New Zealand.
“What I can say is we are making very good progress with DNA inquiries,” he said.
“We want to reassure the community our investigation is continuing the establish the facts to ascertain the full circumstances around the death of these children.
“This includes establishing when, where and how. The nature of this discovery provides some complexities to the investigation.”
The horrific discovery has rocked the country and has had a particularly strong impact on the Manurewa community in South Auckland, which is home to strong Māori and Pacific populations.
“I really feel for the family of these victims,” Detective Inspector Vaaelua said.
“Right here, right now, there are relatives out there that aren’t aware that their loved ones have deceased, especially two young children.
“As for the investigation team, there are a number of them that are parents. This is no easy investigation and no matter how long or how many years you serve and investigate horrific cases like this, it’s never any easy task.
“I myself am a parent of young kids but we have a job to do.”
Image: Newshub