Attributable to Detective Inspector Lindsay Pilbrow:
A second person has been arrested for the murder of a woman in the Bay of Plenty in September 2022.
Korrey Whyman was shot inside a vehicle as it travelled on State Highway 33 towards Mourea on the morning of 25 September last year.
The 28-year-old was rushed to hospital but passed away from her head injuries.
A 22-year-old man has this afternoon been charged with Korrey’s murder, and is due to appear in Rotorua District Court tomorrow. He is also facing two charges of discharging a firearm with reckless disregard in relation to other victims involved in this incident
A 31-year-old man is already before the courts for her murder and associated firearms charges. He is next due to appear in Rotorua District Court on July 28.
The investigation has continued to focus on key forensic examinations and witness information, which has resulted in the latest arrest.
The arrest also brings significant relief to Korrey’s family, who have struggled to deal with her death since September last year.
I’m also incredibly grateful to members of the public who have helped provide a clearer picture of the events which led to Korrey’s death.
The investigation is still very much ongoing and Police remain interested in speaking with anyone with knowledge of what happened.
We’re aware there are a number of people who have direct knowledge of this incident but have until now been uneasy about coming forward. We’re hoping that the latest arrest will help make coming forward to Police easier.
A vehicle believed to be used by those involved in Korrey’s death, a dark-blue Toyota Hilux king-cab ute, was located burnt out on Braemer Reserve on Tuesday 27 last year.
Police are not ruling out further charges in relation to this, or in relation to anyone who has actively assisted those responsible – whether it be disposing of or hiding evidence, or intentionally providing false information.
Anyone who has information that may assist Police on 105 – either by calling or going online to https://www.police.govt.nz/use-105, using ‘Update Report’ and referencing file number 220925/5119.
Alternatively, information can be passed anonymously to Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.
