Woman's body found on Mt Victoria #3

Police have formally identified the body of a woman found dead yesterday (9 July) near a running track on Wellington’s Mt Victoria, but cannot yet name her until all next of kin have been advised.

Detective Inspector Paul Basham of Wellington CIB, said the woman’s immediate family had been informed, but had asked for more time to allow them to inform other family members.

“Understandably, they are still struggling to come to grips with what has happened, and our thoughts are with them at this very difficult time,” Mr Basham said.

Police last night recovered the 38-year-old woman’s body, after she was found by a group of joggers about 11am yesterday, off a running track near Alexandra Park, above Wellington Girls’ East College. Mr Basham said a post-mortem examination had begun earlier today and was still ongoing.

“Until such time as the post-mortem has been completed, Police aren’t able to comment on the possible cause of death. At this early stage we are still treating the death as ‘unexplained’ and are keeping an open mind to a number of possible scenarios,” Mr Basham said.

“In the meantime, we are continuing to follow various lines of inquiry as part of our investigation. This includes continuation of the scene examination at Mt Victoria, as well as the post-mortem and interviews with a number of people who have come forward with information.”

Mr Basham said a 25-year-old man arrested in the area yesterday for obstruction had been spoken to but had subsequently been released.

“We are still however keen to hear from anyone who was in the Alexandra Park / Mt Victoria town belt area around 11am yesterday, or who may have other relevant information to please come forward. This will assist us in piecing together her final movements and provide a clearer picture of what may have led to her death.”