Christchurch man charged with manslaughter over death of Braydon Hepworth

A 60-year-old Christchurch man has been charged with the manslaughter of 21-year-old Braydon Hepworth. The man, who has interim name suppression, was arrested in early October and was previously charged with making a false statement and concealing Hepworth's body. He has been remanded in custody and is scheduled to appear in the Christchurch District Court on Thursday.

Hepworth's body was discovered on 8 October at a residential property on Hereford Street in Linwood. One report states the body was found buried under a shed at the property. Last week, police charged a 34-year-old Christchurch man in connection with the alleged concealment of the body.

Hepworth was last seen alive on 3 September at a service station in Linwood. Before his death, he had lived at the Christchurch City Mission's Whakaora Kāinga transitional housing facility for approximately one year. He was asked to leave the facility in July due to behavioural issues.

Where reports differ

• One report specifies the body was found buried under a shed, while others do not provide this detail

Compiled from reports by NZ Herald, Stuff, Otago Daily Times and The Press.