Objection to seeing the stabbing victim and suspect

Police investigating a fatal stabbing on an Auckland bus are appealing for information from anyone who saw the victim or the culprit before the incident.

Auckland City Police Assistance Area Acting Crime Manager Detective Inspector Alisse Robertson said efforts were ongoing to establish the victim’s movements on the day he died, Wednesday this week, and the public’s help was sought.

“Police continue to trace the victim’s movement and now believe he knows the man accused of murder.

“Ongoing investigations include examining a series of CCTV footage in the Panmure and Onehunga area between 8.30am and 1.30pm on Wednesday, October 23, where the victim was seen with a man at various points throughout the day.

“Police continue to operate in that area.”

Police would like to hear from anyone who has been in the following areas and times and may have information to share:

• Outside Woolworths Onehunga, around 8.30am;
• Boarding the bus at Church Street, Onehunga at around 9am and getting off at the bus stop on Panmure Tripoli Road at 9.30am;
• Between 13.30 and 14.00 in Panmure district and bus terminal;
• Around 14:00, we take bus number 74 from Panmure Bus Terminal.

Police want anyone who saw the victim and the man wearing this outfit to hear:
• Baseball cap with ‘Niue’ written on the front
• Camouflage colored hooded sweatshirt with zipper
• Light colored trousers and white shoes
• Carrying a black backpack

The victim, Bernice Marychurch, was wearing a gray hooded sweatshirt, light-colored shorts, black shoes and carrying a black purse.

Information can be provided to the police by reporting online at: www.105.police.govt.nz By using “Update Report” or by calling 105.

Please use reference number 241023/8926.

A man surrendered to North Shore police station on Thursday this week following the fatal stabbing.

The 37-year-old man is charged with murder, threatening to kill, assault and theft.