‘Vulnerable’ woman murdered on morning walk
A woman has been molested and killed during her regular morning walk in Auckland and New Zealand Police have already arrested one man in the murder investigation.
The body of Lena Zhang, also known as Lena Zhang Harrap, was found in an area of bush on Wednesday afternoon in the Auckland suburb of Mt Albert.
The 27-year-old, who has Down Syndrome, was reported missing just hours earlier after leaving her home. She left her home around 6.30 am to go for her regular walk to Ōwairaka Domain but never returned.
Suspect will appear in court today
A 31-year-old man will appear in court today faced with the murder and sexual violation of Lena Zhang.
New Zealand Police said they received a significant amount of information from the public following an appeal they made to the public after Zhang’s body was found, to help identify a person of interest they were trying to locate in relation to the murder.
Police had uncovered photos of the “person of interest” via CCTV footage. At the time he was wearing a blue jumper and had been captured on CCTV near the area where Lena’s body was found on Wednesday morning.
As a result of this appeal and the use of CCTV footage, this man was found in a vehicle in Papatoetoe - around 20km away from Mt Albert - at 1.30 am on Thursday and was arrested.
Detective Inspector Aaron Pascoe said police hoped news of the arrest would provide some reassurance to the local community.
Police were not currently seeking anyone else in relation to the murder, however enquiries continued into the investigation with a fresh appeal for sightings of a car.
Zhang’s family and the community are devastated by her death
Detective Inspector Aaron Pascoe said Zhang’s family are understandably devastated by her death.
“Lena was a young lady, she was small in stature, she was vulnerable,” said Inspector Pascoe.
He added she was a “loving and caring person” who was raised to be independent.
“Whoever the offender or offenders are, they’ve targeted a vulnerable member of our community which is just appalling,” Pascoe said.
StarJam pays tribute to Lena
StarJam, an organisation which uses music, dance and performance to connect young people with disabilities, have paid tribute Lena saying she was a "true Jammer".
A Facebook post said: “For over 12 years, Lena has been a true Jammer in Auckland Magic Movers and more recently the Central Alumni All Stars; greeting everyone with her infectious smile, genuine heartfelt support and inviting her fellow Jammers up to join her Spot the Talents. Lena, you will always be in our hearts – our thoughts go out to your family and friends.’”
Ella Stuart who worked at StarJam said Lena brought a special touch of magic to the stage: "It was such a privilege to know Lena - she was always so enthusiastic with everything she did and her love of dancing was truly wonderful to watch. She put the 'magic' in Magic Movers! She will be so missed and in our hearts and memories always."
Image: NZ Police