Source: New Zealand Police
Attribute to Detective Inspector Stu Harvey:
The young child injured in an incident in Otautau, Southland, on Sunday 20 September has now sadly died.
Emergency services were called to an address around 6:50pm on Sunday, and the child was transported to hospital in critical condition.
They were later flown to Starship Hospital in Auckland; however, they sadly died this afternoon.
Police are now treating this as a homicide investigation.
The man and woman, both aged 19, who had previously been charged in relation to the incident are expected to face further charges.
We know this tragic incident will no doubt be felt widely in the Otautau community, and Police will be providing reassurance over the coming days.
Police will also continue to support the child’s wider family as the matter progresses through the courts.
ENDS
Issued by Police Media Centre
Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/09/23/update-homicide-investigation-launched-southland/