Kaea Karauria: Teen girl arrested for allegedly threatening witness

A teenage girl has been arrested and charged with allegedly threatening a witness in the homicide investigation of 15-year-old Kaea Karauria in Napier last month.

Karauria, 15, was found critically injured at an Alexander Ave address following reports of a disorder event at 3.10am on May 11 and died at the scene despite efforts by ambulance staff.

Police are yet to arrest anybody for the killing.

Detective Inspector Dave de Lange said the teenager allegedly approached and threatened a witness on May 12, a day after the fight in which Karauria was killed.

He said police had learned of the incident on June 6 while conducting follow-up inquiries and was arrested on Monday.

She had been charged with wilfully attempting to pervert the course of justice and would reappear in the Hastings Youth Court next month.

De Lange said any form of witness tampering was treated seriously by police.

"When a witness is threatened, or attempts are made to sabotage an investigation, police will act without hesitation. This should be a warning to anyone who contemplates interfering with justice."

He said anyone with information about the incident should contact police.

"Kaea deserves justice, as does his family, so if you can help please talk to us."