A woman with Down’s syndrome has been murdered on her daily morning walk in New Zealand.
The body of Auckland woman Lena Zhang, 27, was found in bushland near Mount Albert on Wednesday after she left her home at around 6:30am.
Police have launched a murder investigation, identifying a balding man with a distinctive mark on his head as someone detectives want to speak to.
Ms Zhang, who was also vision impaired, was described by family and friends as a ‘loving and caring person’.
The body of Auckland woman Lena Zhang, 27, (pictured) was found in bushland near Mount Albert on Wednesday after she left her home at around 6:30am
Police have launched a murder investigation, identifying a balding man with a distinctive mark on his head as a ‘person of interest’
‘Whoever the offender or offenders are, they’ve targeted a vulnerable member of our community which is just appalling,’ Detective Inspector Aaron Pascoe told reporters.
‘Lena was a young lady, she was small in stature, she was vulnerable.’
She walks from her home in Mount Albert to Ōwairaka Domain every day, but on Wednesday she never returned.
Her body was found hours later, with detectives already speaking to a number of people who saw her during her walk.
They have also reviewed CCTV footage and are asking for members of the public to help identify a person of interest.
A man dressed in a blue jumper was featured on security cameras. Police are urging the public to help identify the man
A man dressed in a blue jumper was featured on security cameras nearby.
He is described as dark-skinned, balding, was wearing a blue mask and has a large mark on his forehead.
Detective Pascoe says Ms Zhang’s family are devastated.
Anyone with any information on the man are being urged to contact New Zealand Police.
StarJam, a New Zealand charity which supports people living with disabilities, paid tribute to the beloved young woman in a message posted online.
‘For over 12 years Lena has been a true Jammer in Auckland Magic Movers and more recently the Central Alumni All Stars; greeting everyone with her infectious smile, genuine heartfelt support and inviting her fellow Jammers up to join her Spot the Talents,’ they said.
‘Lena you will always be in our hearts – our thoughts go out to your family and friends.’
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