Police officer charged over death of teenage girl can be named

Thursday, 9 October 2025

The police officer charged following a pursuit that ended with the death of a 17-year-old girl has pleaded not guilty and can now be named.

Angel Tiana Riley, 17, died after her Toyota Corolla hit a tree on December 22, 2023, following the police pursuit near her home in Whangārei.

On Thursday, the 53-year-old officer’s case was called at the Whangārei District Court where his lawyer, Susan Hughes KC, confirmed to Stuff name suppression was no longer sought for Marthinus Anton Keeve.

Keeve is charged with dangerous driving causing death - a charge that carries a maximum sentence of 10 years’ imprisonment or a fine totalling no more than $20,000.

Hughes told Stuff Keeve had entered a not guilty plea.

In June, when Riley’s family were advised the charge was to be laid, her father said it had been a difficult 18 months to get to that point.

Police previously said Keeve had cooperated with the investigation.

Stuff senior investigations journalist Paula Penfold previously reported that Riley had been driving near the end of Beach Rd in the Whangārei suburb of Onerahi on December 22.

Her family understands she turned left into a small side street, near the intersection, and headed back down Beach Rd.

Keeve is believed to have followed her car in his Highway Patrol blue Skoda.

Two minutes later the pursuit was over when Angel’s car hit a tree, minutes from her home.

Originally from South Africa, Keeve joined the Northland police in 2017 but is now living and working overseas.

The case will be recalled in December for a trial date to be set down.