Te Atatu murder-accused named

  • 10/02/2016
Cun Xiu Tian
Cun Xiu Tian

By Grace Cocker

A silent vigil is being held outside the High Court in Auckland this morning, as the man accused of murdering an elderly woman in her Te Atatu home is named.

Jaden Lee Stroobant,19,  faces one count of murder, and two of sexual violation.

Cun Xiu Tian, 69, was found bloodied and beaten by her daughter and son-in-law at their Glenvil Lane home last month.

Following the discovery, police launched a public appeal for sightings of a man seen acting suspiciously in the area, wearing a distinctive green tracksuit.

Shortly after, Stroobant was arrested.

Stroobant was quiet in court; a stark difference to his appearance last month, where he swore at media, members of the public gallery and the judge.

He wore a dark shirt, and stood with his hands cusped in front of him and a guard on either side.

No plea was entered, and a five week trial was set down for November.

Police say the assault on Ms Tian was extremely violent and vicious.

The local Te Atatu community was plunged into a state of shock, and rallied together by holding a candlelit vigil.

Te Atatu murder-accused named

Protesters outside the Auckland High Court today (Photo: Briar Marbeck / Newshub)

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