Young Christchurch father's body found concealed at associate's flat

It may be some time before police know exactly how Christchurch father Braydon Hepworth died, but it has been revealed that the young father’s body was “concealed” at an associate’s flat. 

The Herald understands a post-mortem examination has been carried out after the body of the 21-year-old was found at a Hereford St property yesterday. 

But the results were inconclusive, it’s understood, and police are now awaiting a number of test results before they can determine the circumstances of Hepworth’s death. 

And even then, they may not give a “definitive” answer. 

The property where Braydon Hepworth's body was found. Photo / Jazlyn Whales 

A source has revealed that Hepworth’s body was “concealed” at the flat, occupied by one of his associates. 

Police made the grisly discovery as part of routine inquiries into Hepworth’s disappearance last month. 

It is understood the occupant of the flat was among the last people Hepworth had contact with before he went missing. 

The source said the investigation was complex and a “slow burn”. 

It was still early days, and there were “still more questions than answers”. 

It was unclear if anyone would be charged in relation to Hepworth’s death at this stage. 

The last confirmed sighting of Hepworth, who has a baby daughter, was at a Linwood service station on September 3. 

Security footage showed him wearing a Monster Energy-branded beanie with a pair of headphones over the top. 

He was a diabetic and needed daily medication, so his family were extremely concerned when they could not get hold of him. 

Yesterday morning, Detective Inspector Scott Anderson announced that houses in Linwood and Edgeware would be searched. 

“Our inquiries to date suggest Braydon is no longer alive,” he revealed. 

Detective Inspector Scott Anderson. Photo / George Heard 

Hours later he confirmed a body had been found. 

“Formal identification procedures are underway, however, we believe this to be missing 21-year-old Braydon Hepworth,” he said. 

“The death is being treated as unexplained, and a post-mortem will be carried out. 

“This is a devastating outcome for his family, and our hearts go out to them. We are providing them with support at this extremely difficult time. 

“While this is not the outcome we hoped for, there is a small comfort in being able to bring him home.” 

Hepworth’s last known address was at a property that operated as a boarding house on the corner of England and Hereford St. 

That property was searched by police last week. 

Hepworth’s body was found at a flat on Hereford St about 100m away. 

The flat is connected to a three-bedroom house but is completely separate with its own fenced section, driveway and entry. 

Braydon Hepworth was last seen in Christchurch on September 3. 

It is understood both flats at the property are used by a community organisation to house former inmates. 

The occupant of the single-bedroom flat was a known associate of Hepworth’s. 

“The investigation team is concentrating efforts on confirming Braydon’s movements and we are speaking with a number of people who are assisting our inquiries,” Anderson said yesterday. 

“It is early in the investigation, and it will take time to build a clear picture of what has occurred. Further details will be released proactively when we are in a position to do so. 

“We ask that anyone who has knowledge of Braydon’s movements, or who has information that could help the investigation, to please speak with us.” 

Hepworth’s mother Char Huntley has not spoken publicly about his death. 

She had been posting frequently on Facebook begging for anyone with information about her son to come forward. 

Braydon Hepworth missing from Christchurch. Photo / NZ Police 

The grandfather of Hepworth’s daughter posted on social media last night. 

“I honestly don’t know what to say right now. Unfortunately, we have received the devastating news that Braydon’s body has been found,” he said. 

“After weeks of hoping, searching, wondering and praying that we would find him and bring him home, this is news that none of us ever wanted to hear. 

“Braydon meant so much to a lot of people, and this has taken an enormous emotional toll on everyone who has been involved in the search. There are no words that can truly describe the heartbreak we are feeling right now.” 

He thanked people who had helped to search for Hepworth, shared the family’s social media posts appealing for information and “simply cared about bringing Braydon home”. 

“Your kindness and support throughout this incredibly difficult time will never be forgotten,” he wrote. 

He said he would take time out to process and “try to come to terms with the heartbreaking loss”. 

“Rest peacefully, Braydon. You were loved, you mattered, and you will never be forgotten,” he ended the post. 

People who knew Hepworth had also posted about his death online. 

“Braydon was such a lovely guy at high school and it sucks to see this was the outcome,” said one person. 

“He was an amazing friend at school,” another wrote. 

Anna Leask is a senior journalist who covers Christchurch issues and national crime and justice. She joined the Herald in 2008 and has worked as a journalist for more than 20 years with a particular focus on family and gender-based violence, child abuse, sexual violence and homicides. She writes, hosts and produces the award-winning podcast A Moment In Crime, released monthly on nzherald.co.nz.