Police launch Upper Hutt homicide investigation

Mary Donnelly was found dead in her flat by family members.

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A homicide investigation has been launched into the death of a 38-year-old woman in Upper Hutt, north of Wellington, last week.

Mary Donnelly, who had an intellectual disability, was found dead in her Ebdentown Street flat by family members on Wednesday night and police believe her death was suspicious.

Detective Senior Sergeant Dave Thornton said the death was due to an injury.

Donnelly lived alone in her flat with the support of a caregiver and her family but would have been well-known in the community.

"Mary often visited the shops in Upper Hutt. She was also very interested in karaoke and attended karaoke evenings at the Upper Hutt Cossie Club," Thornton said.

A team of 20 police officers plus forensic experts are working on the investigation.

The scene examination at the Ebdentown Street flat will continue for a few more days.

Police are appealing to anyone who saw Donnelly on Wednesday to contact them.

- © Fairfax NZ News