Auckland child death murder case

The story so far

A 37-year-old man was charged with murder after a child's body was found in a vehicle at Manukau Police Station in early January.^{6, 8 Jan 2025} He arrived at the station around 1am on a Monday and spoke with staff, and police asked the public for information about suspicious activity or sightings of a blue Nissan Bluebird in East Tāmaki on the Sunday night.^{6, 8 Jan 2025} He is accused of smothering the child with a pillow in East Tāmaki, and he has been remanded in custody.^{5 Feb 2025} He first appeared in Manukau District Court, and later appeared in the Auckland High Court.^{6 Jan 2025; 5 Feb 2025}

Latest

The man appeared in the Auckland High Court on a Wednesday in early February, and court documents suggest the child was allegedly smothered.^{5 Feb 2025}

What's next

A trial is scheduled for May next year.^{5 Feb 2025}

Key moments

1. 6 Jan 2025Man charged with murder after child's body found in vehicle at police station.
2. 8 Jan 2025Police appeal for information about a blue Nissan Bluebird in East Tāmaki.
3. 5 Feb 2025Accused allegedly smothered child with a pillow in East Tāmaki; trial set.
4. 5 Feb 2025Man appears in Auckland High Court; court documents suggest smothering.

Written from the stories below; each sentence links to its sources.