Three charged over death of Carterton toddler

By PATRICK GOWER

Three people were arrested last night over the death of 23-month-old Hinewaoriki Karaitiana-Matiaha and charged with a variety of offences, including manslaughter

The Carterton toddler, known as Lillybing, was already dead when her bashed, scalded and sexually violated body was taken to Masterton Hospital by family members late on July 23.

Two unemployed Carterton women, aged 27 and 28, have been charged with manslaughter, two charges of failing to provide the necessaries of life and three charges of wilfully ill-treating a child. A 31-year-old jobless Carterton man has been charged with failing to provide the necessaries of life.

The trio will appear in the Masterton District Court this morning.