Warning: This story contains graphic details.
Newshub can reveal the victim of a fatal daylight attack in the west Auckland suburb of Massey on Monday was a young woman whose family say had her bags packed for the trip of a lifetime.
On Tuesday, Police announced they have arrested and charged a 30-year-old man with her murder.
Witness Selena took a moment to pay her respects and take stock of what she witnessed taking place in an alleyway nearly 24 hours earlier.
She told Newshub all she heard was a scream coming from a female which "just got louder and louder".
Selena was driving on her way to work when she stopped at the intersection on Royal Road in Auckland's Massey. She turned towards the direction of the screams and saw a brutal attack unfolding.
"I just screamed. I realised what was going on and I said 'oh my gosh he's stabbing her, he's stabbing her'."
Selina then saw motorists bravely pull over to help the victim and chase the attacker who took off.
"He couldn't bring his arm high enough above his head. He just kept striking her and striking her. I don't know. I lost count. That's how vicious it was."
Police were called to the incident around 5:45pm on Monday night and say the woman died at the scene.
Newshub has spoken to a family member of the young woman. They want the public to know she was a student at the Auckland University of Technology studying criminal law. She had a pilgrimage booked on the 29th. She had her bags packed, and ready to go.
The woman was intending to take part in the Ziriyat pilgrimage in the Muslim holy city of Karbala in Iraq, but that dream was suddenly and brutally taken away from her, along with her life.
People in the nearby Waitakere Badminton Centre were told to stay inside by police, who also told neighbours to do the same.
Members of the community have been left in shock. Henderson-Massey local board chairperson Chris Carter told Newshub he and others in the community are "concerned about what's happened".
"Very concerned for the family affected by it and concerned about violence in the community."
Neighbours came to lay tributes as police conducted a scene examination this morning.
"I'm sure the kids won't feel safe now walking around. Especially [since] it's coming to Christmas now," one neighbour told Newshub.
A tragedy that has changed the lives of the young woman's family and friends forever.
