As stated by Detective Inspector Nick Pritchard, Wellington Police:
Police are investigating after the death of a Wellington woman who died in hospital after she was admitted following an assault just over a week ago.
The victim, 53-year-old Lillian Wharton, died in Wellington Hospital on Thursday (19 December 2024).
Police are still working to establish the circumstances surrounding her death and are treating it as unexplained at this stage.
On Saturday 14 December, Lillian was at a friend's address in Lower Hutt and left with people known to her to walk back to her home on Waiwhetu Road.
At some point after the leaving the address she was assaulted and admitted to hospital in a serious condition before she passed away on Thursday.
Police have charged a man, who is known to the victim, with assault, assault with intent to injure and injuring with intent to injure and he appeared in Lower Hutt District Court yesterday where he was remanded in custody until his next appearance.
Police are asking the public for any sightings on Saturday 14 December, between 8pm and 10pm, of two adult women and one male. One of the women was pushing a pram.
We are asking if anyone saw them or anything of concern between Randwick Road, York Street, Awamutu Road, Leighton Avenue and around the intersections of Whites Line East and Waiwhetu Road.
We would ask anyone who has information which may assist our enquiries to please update Police online or call 105 quoting file number 241219/9880. Information can also be provided anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.
