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Charles Wharton detained as special patient after Hamilton boy's murder

Waikato TimesNZ HeraldThursday 6 August 2026 · 2 outlets · 2 reports · updated

In this story High Court, Waikato Hospital

Photo: NZ Herald (opens in new tab)

Charles Wharton has been detained as a special patient following the September 2024 murder of eight-year-old Zahquiel Taipeti in Hamilton. Wharton, who was previously found unfit to stand trial, was reportedly left at the boy's house by police shortly before the attack occurred.

How they headlined it

First reported by Waikato Times, Thu 6 Aug, 12:43pm · 2 reports from 2 outlets over 5 hours
  1. Waikato TimesWaikato Times

    Police delivered schizophrenic man to house shortly before he bludgeoned boy, 8, to death (opens in new tab)

  2. NZ HeraldNZ Herald

    Charles Wharton detained as special patient after murder of 8-year-old Hamilton boy (opens in new tab)