Child killer dies in custody

A man who killed a five-year-old girl more than four decades ago has died in custody.

Allan James Cowley, 72, died from what was believed to be natural causes at Dunedin Hospital on June 11, Radio New Zealand reported.

Cowley was imprisoned in 1967 for the murder of Anne Elizabeth Overend at Weraroa Domain in Levin.

Lawyer Stephen Franks said he received a letter from the Overend family saying the death was pleasing and lifted a huge weight from their hearts.

At the time of his arrest, the killer's name was Allan Francis Convery, and he later changed it to Cowley.

Although Cowley's death is believed to be from natural causes, the Dunedin coroner says an inquest will be held.

- NZPA