Man admits murdering NZ woman with Down syndrome after she vanished on walk
A 31-year-old man has pleaded guilty to the murder of a woman with Down syndrome after she vanished on her daily walk in Auckland.
A man has pleaded guilty to the murder of a woman with Down syndrome, after she vanished while on her daily walk in Auckland, New Zealand last year.
On Wednesday at the High Court in Auckland, Shamal Shamar, 31, entered guilty pleas over the death of Lena Zhang Harrap, 27, as her emotional family members filled the public gallery, reports New Zealand Herald.
Shamar was expected to stand trial next month for Ms Harrap’s murder, sexual violation and for driving a motor vehicle in a dangerous manner.
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Ms Harrap vanished while on her daily walk on September 22 last year in Mt Albert, an inner suburb of Auckland.
Her body was discovered hours later along a bush-lined track that connected two streets, about a kilometre from her home.
The 27-year-old was active in StarJam, a non-profit organisation that gives those with disabilities an opportunity to perform.
“Lena may have been small in stature but she had the biggest heart,” Lynfield College principal Cath Knell said last year.
“Her wicked sense of humour backed up by a mischievous smile brought much joy to those who taught her.”
Man faces life in prison
Shamar, listed in court documents as having no fixed address, was arrested on September 24 after he was found in a vehicle in Auckland suburb Papatoetoe.
His lawyer Jonathan Hudson originally entered not guilty pleas on his client’s behalf and sought to order two other reports to address the defendant’s mental health.
In December last year, Justice Fitzgerald found Shamar fit to stand trial after reviewing two psychiatrist and psychologist reports.
Justice Sally Fitzgerald acknowledged Ms Harrap’s family and friends in court.
Shamar will appear for sentencing on March 30 next year. He faces a maximum 20 years in prison for sexual violation and a life sentence for the murder.
This article originally appeared on New Zealand Herald and was reproduced with permission
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