Dead woman last seen by mother at weekend

Katrina Ann Jefferies

A woman whose body was found in an Auckland reserve two days ago was last seen by her mother on Sunday night at the home they shared, police said today.

The body of Katrina Ann Jefferies, 22, was found by passers-by in bush in Waikowhai Reserve in Hillsborough on Tuesday morning.

Ms Jefferies, who was unemployed but described as a skilled worker, lived in nearby Mt Roskill.

She had a 20-month-old son, who is being cared for by her mother.

Police said Ms Jefferies was last seen by her mother about 7.30pm on Sunday.

At the time, she was leaving their Whitmore Rd home to meet a friend or friends.

The Operation Waikowhai homicide inquiry team had not had any reported sightings of her since then.

Ms Jefferies suffered injuries to her upper body, the nature of which have not been revealed.

Police spokeswoman Noreen Hegarty said the examination of the scene close to Manukau Harbour was nearing completion and the reserve was expected to be reopened to the public this afternoon.

She understood that the father of Ms Jefferies' son had not been spoken to by police.

Inquiries were continuing in the wider area around the reserve as well as where Ms Jefferies lived.

Earlier, Detective Senior Sergeant Gerry Whitley said preliminary results of a post-mortem examination yesterday had not produced a conclusive answer as to cause of death.

"Due to the circumstances, this might take a few days," he said.

"We are hoping to get information from the pathologist. Some test were conducted overnight."

Police wanted anyone who saw Ms Jefferies after 8pm on Sunday or who noticed suspicious behaviour in the Mt Roskill or Hillsborough areas on Sunday or Monday to call them on 0800-924569.

- NZPA