Coroner orders new investigation into death of Gore toddler

Friday 13 June 2025 · 5 outlets · 9 reports · updated Fri 13 Jun 2025, 5:51pm

In this story Alexander Ho

Coroner Alexander Ho has described previous investigations into the 2019 death of three-year-old Lachie Jones as a "shambles". While finding foul play unlikely, the coroner has ordered a third police reinvestigation by an experienced officer from outside Southland. The case has also been referred to the Independent Police Conduct Authority.

How they headlined it

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1. NZ HeraldFri 13 Jun 2025, 5:00am

   Lachie Jones: Coroner to deliver findings six years on from toddler’s death in Gore oxidation pond (opens in new tab)

   • Coroner slams police, calls for fresh investigation into Gore tot Lachie Jones’ death (opens in new tab) Fri 13 Jun 2025, 5:14pm
2. StuffFri 13 Jun 2025, 9:59am

   Coroner expected to report findings on Lachie Jones’ death (opens in new tab)

   • Coroner finds 'foul play unlikely' in death of Gore toddler (opens in new tab) Fri 13 Jun 2025, 5:14pm
3. NewsroomFri 13 Jun 2025, 4:00pm

   Police directed to reinvestigate Boy in the Water case – just no local cops (opens in new tab)

   • The legal underpinnings of coroner's findings in Lachie case (opens in new tab) Fri 13 Jun 2025, 5:09pm
   • Police watchdog's view on police handling of toddler death questioned (opens in new tab) Fri 13 Jun 2025, 5:51pm
4. 1NewsFri 13 Jun 2025, 5:07pm

   Coroner calls inquiries into death of Lachie Jones a 'shambles' (opens in new tab)

5. Otago Daily TimesFri 13 Jun 2025, 5:08pm

   Lachie Jones death: Probe 'a shambles', new inquiry ordered (opens in new tab)