Homicide Investigation Launched Following Death of 10-Week-Old Baby in Auckland

New Zealand Police have launched a homicide investigation following the death of a 10-week-old baby boy in Auckland. The case, designated Operation Brey, involves serious allegations surrounding the circumstances that led to the infant's death.

The sequence of events began on January 2, when the 10-week-old baby was taken to Pukekohe Maternity Hospital in critical condition. Upon arrival, hospital staff immediately alerted Police to the severity of the situation and the suspicious nature of the child's injuries. The baby was then transferred to Starship Hospital, where medical staff conducted a comprehensive assessment and established that the child had suffered non-survivable injuries.

Despite the efforts of medical professionals at Starship Hospital, the baby tragically passed away on Wednesday, January 8, 2026. The determination that the injuries were non-survivable led authorities to initiate a homicide investigation to establish the circumstances and determine responsibility for the child's death.

Following the investigation, two individuals have been jointly charged in connection with the death. A 27-year-old woman and a 23-year-old man have both been charged with ill treatment and neglect of a child. Both individuals are scheduled to reappear in Manukau District Court on May 8, 2026.

Suppression orders have been issued by the court, which place restrictions on the publication of the identity of the deceased child and the identities of the two parties charged. These orders are designed to protect the privacy of those involved and ensure fair legal proceedings.

Detective Inspector Karen Bright from Counties Manukau CIB is overseeing the investigation. The investigation remains active and ongoing, with Police currently considering whether additional charges may be warranted as further evidence is gathered and analyzed.

As the matter is now before the court, Police have indicated they are unable to provide further comment on the specifics of the case at this time, in accordance with legal protocols surrounding active prosecutions.