Man charged with manslaughter over Braydon Hepworth’s death in Christchurch
A 60-year-old man already charged in connection with the concealment of Hepworth’s body now faces a manslaughter charge. Police say the investigation is continuing.
A 60-year-old man has been charged with manslaughter over the death of Braydon Hepworth, 21, in Christchurch, New Zealand, RNZ reported on 28 October. The new charge follows earlier charges against the man for concealing Hepworth’s body and making a false statement. He remains in custody as police continue to investigate the disappearance and death.
Detective Inspector Scott Anderson said the man has interim name suppression and is due to appear in Christchurch District Court on Thursday, according to RNZ. The NZ Herald reported that he was arrested in early October. A charge is an allegation before the court; no finding of guilt has been reported.
What police have said about Hepworth’s death
Hepworth went missing in early September. His body was found buried in a shed in the Christchurch suburb of Linwood on 8 October, RNZ reported. The NZ Herald said his last confirmed sighting had been at a Linwood service station on 3 September, more than a month before his body was found.
Police had earlier said they were investigating how Hepworth died, the NZ Herald reported. The Herald said an autopsy had been carried out after his body was found at a Hereford Street property, but its results were understood to be inconclusive at that stage and police were awaiting further tests. The cause and circumstances of his death have not been established publicly.
Police also charged a 34-year-old Christchurch man last week in relation to the concealment of Hepworth’s body, Anderson said, according to RNZ. The reports do not identify either charged man; the 60-year-old has interim name suppression. Police have not described the alleged conduct behind the manslaughter charge.
Hepworth’s family and the continuing investigation
Hepworth had a baby daughter, the NZ Herald reported. It said he had diabetes and relied on daily medication. In a social media tribute quoted by the Herald, the grandfather of Hepworth’s daughter described him as someone the family had come to love: ‘You became family. You became one of our own.’ The tribute did not address the circumstances of his death.
Anderson said the investigation into Hepworth’s disappearance remained ongoing. ‘As the matter is now before the courts, police are unable to comment further at this time,’ he said, according to RNZ. Thursday’s scheduled court appearance is the next reported step in the case.
Read in depth: World
Hegseth proposes US-ASEAN defence framework at Cebu meeting
The US defence secretary called for closer maritime and naval cooperation with Southeast Asian countries, but gave no details of the proposed framework.
Malaysia’s 1MDB recoveries will not erase billions in losses, minister says
Second Finance Minister Amir Hamzah Azizan put the estimated net burden at RM20.1 billion, while warning that the value of further recoveries cannot yet be determined.
Sources and context
- Manslaughter charge laid over death of Braydon Hepworth in ChristchurchRNZ
- Man charged with manslaughter over death of young Christchurch fatherNZ Herald / NZME
AI-assisted article checked against the listed sources. NewsJaws did not conduct interviews or attend the reported events.