After being attacked, a South African immigrant to New Zealand earlier this year passed away.
On October 8, 2024, Luke Smith, 21, passed away in a hospital after being attacked in Wellington’s Courtenay Place.
Detective Senior Sergeant Tim Leich of the Wellington Criminal Investigations Branch has stated that the matter is currently being investigated as a homicide.
“After his life support was removed overnight, 21-year-old Luke Smith, the victim of the Sunday morning assault, passed away in hospital today, October 8, 2024, surrounded by family.”
Luke and his parents moved to Upper Hutt from South Africa, according to the police.
Luke’s family plans to return him to South Africa for his funeral following the anticipated post-mortem on Wednesday.
Authorities stated that they were still investigating the exact incident.
Luke was attacked on Sunday at the bus stop outside the former Reading Cinema building at approximately 3:15 a.m.
“Investigators are still going through the evidence, so please get in touch with us if you saw the incident.”
According to police, a 29-year-old was taken into custody on Monday and released on bond after appearing before the Wellington District Court.
The police have stated that more charges might be brought against him when he appears in court on October 21.
The New Zealand Herald claims that the defendant is a well-known boxer.
