Police charge second person in Kaikohe toddler homicide investigation

Police have made a second arrest in the homicide investigation into the death of a Far North 3-year-old girl.

The woman is charged with neglect and fraud in relation to the death of Catalya Remana Tangimetua-Pepene.

Police found the young girl unresponsive when they were called to an address on Tawanui Rd in Kaikohe about 6.15pm on May 21. She died at the scene.

Detective Senior Sergeant Christian Fouhy said police have made a second arrest in the case.

“A 31-year-old woman appeared in the Kaikohe District Court today.

“Police have charged this woman with neglect and fraud-related offences.”

The woman has been remanded in custody to reappear on July 15.

Fouhy said further comment was limited, given two people were now before the court in this case.

Kaikohe man Drummond Augustine Leaf, 45, was previously charged with the child’s murder, along with assault on her a month earlier.

Leaf pleaded not guilty to the two charges through his lawyer, Adam Pell, and elected trial by jury this month.

Judge David Johnstone set a trial date for February 2027, although he said it could be held earlier if availability in the court allowed.

Catalya’s death sparked outrage in Northland, including in the tight-knit community of Kaikohe.

At least 400 people took part in a hīkoi through the town on June 2 to pay tribute to the 3-year-old.

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