Man charged with murder of Christchurch woman Juliana Cayena Bonilla Herrera
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Juliana Herrera. Photo / Provided
A 35-year-old man has been arrested for the murder of Juliana Cayena Bonilla Herrera, a Christchurch woman.
The man will appear in Christchurch District Court tomorrow charged with his murder.
The 37-year-old was found dead at her home on Grove Rd in Addington on Saturday evening.
A homicide investigation – dubbed Operation Grove – is ongoing.
Detective Inspector Scott Anderson said police are not looking for anyone else in connection with the murder.
“I would like to thank the community of Grove Road and surrounding areas for their assistance in helping the investigation team achieve this result in a relatively short period of time.
I hope this brings relief to Juliana’s loved ones, especially her family back in Colombia at this sad time,” he said.
A 3D designer who moved to New Zealand from Colombia more than a decade ago, Bonilla Herrera reportedly worried her friends when she didn’t show up for a planned weekend hike.
“Juliana’s next of kin in Colombia have been notified and are being cared for by New Zealand Police and Victim Support,” Anderson said.
Oriana Perkinson, the former companion of Bonilla Herrera, was shocked by his death.
“A quiet, reserved girl,” Bonilla Herrera was “talented and tenacious,” Perkinson told Stuff.
Police are continuing to examine the scene and expect to be there until the end of the week.
An autopsy was performed today.
According to Colombian media, Herrera grew up in the Meta department in the center of the country and moved to New Zealand 10 years ago.