posted on 08/18/2022 10:25 am
(Image credit: Freepik)
Wellington, New ZealandNew Zealand police on Thursday announced the discovery of the bodies of two school children in suitcases being auctioned off at a warehouse in Auckland.
Police launched a murder investigation after finding the human remains in two similarly sized suitcases and confirmed Thursday they were two children between the ages of five and 10.
Inspector Tofilau Faamanuia Vaaelua said the bodies were probably stored there for several years.
“The nature of this discovery introduces a certain complexity to the investigation, particularly given the time that has elapsed between the time of death and the time of discovery,” Vaaelua said.
The remains were found when a family brought home a trailer full of items sold at a warehouse auction. Police said the buyer’s family had nothing to do with the murder but were “understandably concerned at the discovery” and asked for privacy.
The personal effects found along with the suitcases help to find clues to identify the victims.
Both the warehouse and the house from which the bags were stolen are being examined by forensic experts.
Vaaelua stressed that the New Zealand police work with the international agency Interpol.
The police suspect that the family members of the victims are in New Zealand. The inspector showed them sympathy because they might not have known the children had died.
“We’re doing our best to identify the victims… what I can say is that we’re making very good progress with DNA testing,” he said. “The investigation team is working hard to bring accountability to the person or persons responsible for the deaths of these children,” he added.