Man charged with murder of Whangārei motorcyclist found dead in creek

Police have charged a man with murdering Kyle Jenkins in a layby on Ōtaika Valley Rd.

A man has been arrested and charged with murder following the death of 18-year-old Northland motorcyclist Kyle Zachary Jenkins.

Jenkins was found dead in a creek near Whangārei on January 29.

His motorbike was found on the side of the road in a lay-by area on State Highway 15-Ōtaika Valley Rd.

An autopsy revealed the teenager died as a result of being shot, and police launched a homicide investigation on January 30.

A 20-year-old man appeared in court today charged with Jenkins’ murder using a firearm.

He briefly appeared before Justice of the Peace Kim Kerr in Whangārei District Court, wearing a long-sleeved T-shirt with a hood.

The 20-year-old did not enter a plea.

His lawyer Matthew Ridgley asked for the man to be given interim name suppression, for his and his family’s safety as well as fair trial rights.

He was remanded in custody, to appear in the High Court in Whangārei later this month.

Denise Piper is a news reporter for the Northern Advocate, focusing on health and business. She has more than 20 years in journalism and is passionate about covering stories that make a difference.