Police thank Aucklanders for help in giving information so quickly in relation to the Lena Harrap homicide inquiry. Video / NZ Police
A 31-year-old Auckland man with no fixed address has made his first court appearance this afternoon on charges he sexually violated and murdered Lena Zhang Harrap, a Mt Albert woman with Down syndrome who vanished this week during her daily walk.
Her body was discovered on Wednesday along a bush-lined walkway, about a kilometre from her home, and the man now charged with her death was arrested in Papatoetoe overnight.
Appearing in the Auckland District Court via audio-video link, the man declined through his lawyer to enter a plea and was remanded in custody to await his next hearing, which will be in the High Court at Auckland next month.
A woman's body was found near a footpath connecting Grande Ave with Summit Dr in Mt Albert. Photo / NZME
He remained silent throughout the hearing, except to thank the judge before his video feed was turned off.
Sexual violation carries a maximum punishment of 20 years' prison, while murder carries a life sentence.
Defence lawyer Jonathan Hudson, who appeared in person, requested interim name suppression for his client and Judge Peter Winter granted it. The judge did, however, allow multiple media outlets, including NZME, to publish blurred images of the defendant during his court appearance.
The man accused of Lena Zhang Harrap's murder appears in court.
Lena Zhang Harrap, 27, is being remembered as a"beautiful soul" by the community. Photo / Supplied
Harrap's death has left the New Zealand Down syndrome community shocked and heart-broken.
The 27-year-old was active in StarJam, a non-profit which gives those with disabilities an opportunity to perform. A tribute to her was placed at the top of the organisation's website today.
Flowers were laid at the scene of a homicide investigation just off Summit Dr, Mt Albert. Photo / NZME
"For over 12 years Lena has been a true Jammer in Auckland Magic Movers and more recently the Central Alumni All Stars; greeting everyone with her infectious smile, genuine heartfelt support and inviting her fellow Jammers up to join her Spot the Talents," the tribute read. "Lena, you will always be in our hearts – our thoughts go out to your family and friends."
Cath Knell, the principal at Lynfield College, said the former student who always had a smile will be remembered fondly.
"Lena may have been small in stature but she had the biggest heart," Knell said. "Her wicked sense of humour backed up by a mischievous smile brought much joy to those who taught her.
"Confident and independent, Lena placed no limitations on herself and gave everything her best shot."
The arrest of Harrap's alleged killer was made hours after police put out an appeal to the public yesterday in hopes of identifying a person of interest who was recorded on CCTV. Detective Inspector Aaron Pascoe thanked the public today for the "valuable information" police received as a result.
"This was a sickening and senseless attack on a vulnerable member of our community, which we know disturbed and angered a lot of people," he said.
"While nothing will bring Lena back to her family, we hope today's arrest provides a degree of comfort and reassurance knowing the person allegedly responsible for her brutal murder is in custody where he belongs."
