A 19-year-old man faces murder and assault charges in New Zealand after a woman was found dead at a rural home, with police linking the incident to a domestic situation.

A 19-year-old man appeared in Christchurch District Court on January 27, 2026, charged with murder and two assault charges involving female family members after an elderly woman was found dead at a rural home in Burnham, New Zealand. Police responded to a 3:05 a.m. emergency call reporting disorder at the property on Burnham School Rd., where officers tasered the suspect and discovered the woman’s body. The accused, who appeared via audiovisual link, was granted interim name suppression, remanded in custody, and ordered to reappear in the High Court on February 12. A scene examination is ongoing, with forensic teams investigating the incident believed to be linked to a domestic situation. Authorities are allowing time for family notification, and the case remains under active investigation.