The mother of Kyle Whorrall, a US PhD student killed in Auckland’s St Johns earlier this year, has penned a pleading message for those with information to come forward.
The 33-year-old was struck with a “large, bladed weapon” at a bus stop on St Johns Rd, St Johns on April 19, sustaining “unsurvivable injuries” and later dying in hospital.
A 16-year-old was charged with his murder, while a 33-year-old woman was charged with being an accessory to murder. Both pleaded not guilty with a trial date set for August 2026.
Today, Whorrall’s mother Carole provided police a written statement thanking officers for their “tireless efforts” to identify and apprehend all those involved in his murder.
She also urged anyone who had information to come forward.
“While my foremost priority is securing justice for Kyle and ensuring his legacy endures, I am equally concerned for the safety and well-being of all New Zealanders,” she wrote.
“I implore anyone who may have information, no matter how small or seemingly insignificant, to come forward and assist the police.
“Your courage could make all the difference. Together, we can honour Kyle’s memory and help protect your communities.”
Sixteen-year-old charged with murder and aggravated robbery, remanded in custody. (Source: 1News)
Carole flew to New Zealand in May to attend a vigil for her beloved son, and a pōhutukawa tree was planted in his memory in St Johns Bush.
Police continued to keep Whorrall’s family updated as the investigation progressed, including this week when Auckland City Police renewed appeals for information, following a search of the Maybury Reserve in Glen Innes on Monday.
Auckland City CIB Detective Inspector Glenn Baldwin said forensic enquiries were ongoing into the machete that was located.
He also confirmed further search warrants had been carried out on Wednesday.
“While no further arrests have been made at this stage, I can confirm two further search warrants were carried out on Wednesday,” Baldwin said.
Forensic enquiries of the machete were being carried out by PHF Science, and Baldwin said he would “expect this to take some time to be completed”.
“We will be led by the science on where this takes us in our investigation.”
Anyone with information could contact police online, by calling 105 or provided anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.
