Police acknowledge the findings of the Independent Police Conduct Authority released today concerning the Police investigation into the death of Rachel Molloy in May 2022.
In October 2024, Ms Molloy's mother complained to the IPCA regarding the Police investigation into her daughter's death and how Police had treated Ms Molloy in an earlier incident from 2020.
On 6 June 2020, Ms Molloy was the victim of a burglary. As a result, five people were located and charged with varying offences.
Two of those people pled not guilty and were due to defend charges at a trial on 1 June 2022.
At 11.39pm on 4 May 2022, Police received a call in relation to Ms Molloy who had been located lying at the bottom of some stairs at a Mount Eden flat.
Ms Molloy was transported to hospital, where she died the following day.
The Police enquiry concluded that Ms Molloy had fallen on the stairs while intoxicated and suffered non-survivable injuries.
Police considered there were no suspicious circumstances, however Ms Molloy's mother asked Police to make further enquiries due to the pending criminal trial in which her daughter was the victim.
A robust review was carried out into both cases.
Superintendent Sunny Patel, Auckland City District Commander, says Police accept the Authority's findings that the crime scene examination in May 2022 was inadequate, and that initial conclusions were reached without full evidential considerations.
Police accept communication with Ms Molloy's family was also inadequate.
"At the outset, we extend our deepest sympathies to Ms Molloy and her family for their loss of Rachel," Superintendent Patel says.
"We acknowledge that it has been an incredibly challenging period for the Molloy family over recent years.
"A senior leader from our Criminal Investigation Branch met in-person with Ms Molloy last month and apologised for our shortcomings in this case."
Police remain committed to maintaining high standards when conducting investigations.
