Police have charged a man with the murder and sexual violation of a Mt Albert woman with Down syndrome found dead earlier this week.
Lena Zhang Harrap, 27, was last seen about 6am on Wednesday when she left her home to go for a walk. Her body was found that afternoon in a bush.
Police said it was immediately clear foul play was involved, and on Thursday released images of a man they called a "person of interest" in the case, appealing to the public for information. They said on Friday they'd received "a significant amount of information", which led to the 31-year-old suspect's arrest in Papatoetoe at around 1:30am Friday .
"This was a sickening and senseless attack on a vulnerable member of our community, which we know disturbed and angered a lot of people," said Det Insp Aaron Pascoe.
Zhang had Down syndrome, and was a beloved member of the local community.
"While nothing will bring Lena back to her family, we hope today’s arrest provides a degree of comfort and reassurance knowing the person allegedly responsible for her brutal murder is in custody where he belongs," said Pascoe.
"We want to acknowledge and thank the public for their assistance in providing valuable information which led to an arrest in this homicide investigation."
No one else is currently being sought in relation to Zhang's death, but police said their investigation is ongoing.
"We are appealing for anyone with sightings of a white Hyundai station wagon, registration EGZ962, since Wednesday," said Pascoe.
"Anyone who saw this vehicle over the past few days is asked to contact the Operation Daleyza investigation team by phoning 0800 325 399 (0800 DALEYZA)."
Flowers and cards were laid at the entrance to the Mount Albert Ōwairaka Domain where she liked to walk, RNZ reported.
