Lower Hutt Police are now treating as homicide the death last month of 22-year-old Wainuiomata woman Janet Moses.
Detective Senior Sergeant Ross Levy, head of Lower Hutt CIB, says police are analysing the vast amount of information gathered during the last four weeks and have ruled out that the victim died from natural causes.
"Our next step is to assess the culpability of those involved in this young woman's death."
Ms Moses, the mother of two young girls, died at a family home in Wellington Road, Wainuiomata, on Friday, 12 October. Police were called by family members to the house around 5.30pm. The body of Ms Moses was found lying on a bed.
"There are some unusual aspects surrounding the circumstances of Janet's death," Detective Senior Sergeant Levy says. "There was a ceremony involving water that had taken place while members of her extended family were present. I can't go into too much detail about that for investigative reasons."
A post mortem has eliminated natural causes. There are strong indications that Ms Moses may have drowned. The cause of death will be determined by the Coroner.
Detective Senior Sergeant Levy says police have spent the last month speaking with more than 100 people, mainly family and friends of Ms Moses, as part of their investigation.
"We now have a much clearer idea of what took place in the house and have spoken to nearly everyone who was in Janet's company during the week of her death."
Detective Senior Sergeant Levy says it's now the task of the investigation team to identify the individuals who were responsible for her death.
A team of between 15 and 25 detectives have been working on the inquiry at Lower Hutt since the death was reported to police. Police will continue their inquiries in the Wainuiomata area during the coming weeks to bring the inquiry to a conclusion.
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