The family of murder victim, 27-year-old Lena Zhang Harrap, has released a statement of thanks to the community via NZ Police.
“With the outpouring we have received, we are eternally grateful,” the family said.
“We acknowledge that people want to express their grief and love for Lena and our family.
“Lena received great joy, friendship, acceptance and belonging through two amazing charitable organisations; those being Heart Kids and StarJam.
“As such we would ask you to direct your aroha through supporting these two charities, so others may continue to benefit. Heart Kids: heartkids.org.nz. StarJam: www.starjam.org.”
Lena’s body was located in Mt Albert on Wednesday, 22 September. A 31-year-old man was arrested in a vehicle in Papatoetoe at 1.30am today and charged with Murder and Sexual Violation. He is due to appear in Auckland District Court today.
“This was a sickening and senseless attack on a vulnerable member of our community, which we know disturbed and angered a lot of people,” said Detective Inspector, Adam Pascoe.
“While nothing will bring Lena back to her family, we hope today’s arrest provides a degree of comfort and reassurance knowing the person allegedly responsible for her brutal murder is in custody where he belongs.
“We want to acknowledge and thank the public for their assistance in providing valuable information which led to an arrest in this homicide investigation.”
Police are not currently seeking anyone else in relation to this matter, however our enquiries are ongoing into this investigation, he said.
Police are appealing for anyone with sightings of a white Hyundai station wagon, registration EGZ962, since Wednesday (pictured).
Anyone who saw this vehicle over the past few days is asked to contact the Operation Daleyza investigation team by phoning 0800 325 399 (0800 DALEYZA).
