A man critically injured in an assault in central Wellington on the weekend has died in hospital today.
Emergency services were called to Courtenay Pl outside the old Reading Cinema at around 3.20am on Sunday.
Police named the victim of the assault as 21-year-old Luke Smith and said he died in hospital surrounded by family after his life support was withdrawn overnight.
Detective Senior Sergeant Tim Leitch said Luke and his parents had emigrated from South Africa and settled in Upper Hutt earlier this year.
“A post-mortem is scheduled for Wednesday 9 October, after which Luke’s family are planning to return him to South Africa for his funeral.”
He said police were working to determine exactly what happened.
“Luke was assaulted about 3.15am on Sunday, at the bus stop outside the old Reading Cinema building.
“Investigators are continuing to comb through evidence, and we need to speak with anyone who saw the incident and has yet to contact us.”
Leitch said police would like to speak with two women seated nearby who likely witnessed the assault.
“A number of others came to the assistance of Luke after the assault, and we would like to speak to these people also and obtain any video and still images people may have of the incident.”
Anyone with relevant information should contact police on 105.
A 29-year-old man was arrested on Monday and was bailed following an appearance in the Wellington District Court. He was charged with wounding with reckless disregard.
He is due to reappear in court on October 21 and further charges are possible.
