A woman has been charged with manslaughter in relation to the death of a 5-year-old boy found in the water in Napier in February.
Around 8.30pm on February 5, emergency services were called to Westshore Beach following reports of a body in the water. The body of a five-year-old boy was found and recovered at around 1.30am.
The child went missing in the Westshore area sometime between 6pm and 8.30pm that day, Detective Sergeant Ryan Kemsley of Hawke's Bay Crime Squad said at the time.
Detective Sergeant Kate Hyde today said a 64-year-old woman had been charged with manslaughter after an "extensive and careful investigation".
She first appeared in Napier District Court on Wednesday and was due to reappear on October 16.
Hyde said the investigation was treated with sensitivity and the decision to lay charges wasn’t taken lightly.
“This was a tragic event for our community, and our thoughts are with the young boy’s family at this troubling and difficult time.”
SHARE ME