A weekend assault in Wellington’s Courtenay Place has escalated into a homicide investigation following the death of 21-year-old Luke Smith.
Luke, who was attacked early on Sunday morning, passed away in hospital today after his life support was turned off overnight. Detective Senior Sergeant Tim Leitch of the Wellington Criminal Investigations Branch confirmed the news, expressing deep condolences to Luke’s family, who emigrated from South Africa to Upper Hutt earlier this year.
Police are still working to piece together the events of the assault, which took place around 3.15 a.m. at the bus stop outside the old Reading Cinema building. Detectives are urging witnesses to come forward, particularly two women seen seated near the incident and others who helped Luke afterward.
An online portal has been set up for the public to submit any video footage or images, and information can also be shared anonymously via Crime Stoppers.
A 29-year-old man arrested on Monday in connection with the assault has been released on bail after appearing in court. He is scheduled to return to Wellington District Court on 21 October, with the possibility of further charges.
Luke’s family, supported by Police and Victim Support, are planning to take him back to South Africa for his funeral after a post-mortem on Wednesday.