Multiple Arrests In Wainuiomata Homicide Investigation

Lower Hutt Police have arrested nine people and charged them with the manslaughter of 22-year-old Janet Moses who died at a Wainuiomata house two months ago.

Detective Senior Sergeant Ross Levy, head of Lower Hutt CIB, said six women and three men will appear in the Lower Hutt District Court at 2.15pm today jointly charged with manslaughter.

One of the women, and a fourth man, has also been jointly charged with cruelty to a child.

Police were called to a Wellington Road, Wainuiomata, house on Friday, 12 October and found the body of Ms Moses on a bed. A post mortem eliminated natural causes, indicating that Ms Moses died following a water cleansing ceremony.

A 14-year-old girl survived the ceremony and was treated in hospital for an eye injury.

Detective Senior Sergeant Levy said the decision to lay charges was made after an intensive investigation, lengthy and detailed analysis, and independent legal advice. Cultural practices were also considered.

"It is rare for so many people to be jointly charged with manslaughter but the investigation team has, like in other inquiries, focused on issues of primary culpability.

"This case is now before the court so I am unable to comment on the details of the investigation."

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