Lake Hāwea homicide: Police reveal Karen White died after ‘significant assault’

Police have revealed Invercargill woman Karen Gaylene White died from injuries she sustained in a “significant assault”.

In November, police announced a homicide investigation had been launched eight months after the death of the 60-year-old.

White was killed at her Lake Hāwea property on March 8, 2024, police say.

Detective Senior Sergeant Regan Boucher said today that police are following positive lines of inquiry around the death.

“We have confirmed the 60-year-old victim died as a result of injuries she sustained in a significant assault, and are speaking to a number of people who are assisting with inquiries.

Police are following positive lines of enquiry around the death of Invercargill woman Karen White, who was killed at her Lake Hāwea property on March 8 2024. Photo / Police

“Police believe people in the community hold important information about Mrs White’s murder and we encourage those people to come forward.”

Police were back at the homicide scene in Lake Hāwea yesterday, with scientists from the ESR completing further examinations in relation to areas of interest.

“Police cannot go into any more details about the examination or what was located.”

Boucher said in a previous statement that this was an “extremely traumatic time” for her family.

“[They have] lost a daughter, mother, grandmother, wife and friend and we wish to extend our deepest sympathies to the family at this difficult time.”

Boucher said a team of investigators was “working tirelessly” on the case and remains ”committed to holding to account those responsible”.

Boucher said they are appealing to anyone who saw any suspicious activity in the Lake Hāwea area in late February and March.

“If you have any information that could help, please update us online now or call 105. Please use the reference number 240308/6198.”

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