Man charged with manslaughter over death of young Christchurch father

A 60-year-old Christchurch man has been charged with manslaughter over the death of 21-year-old Braydon Hepworth.

The man was arrested in early October and initially charged with concealing Hepworth’s body and making a false statement.

Detective Inspector Scott Anderson, of Christchurch Metro Crime, said the man had been remanded in custody and was due to appear in the Christchurch District Court on Thursday.

He has interim name suppression.

Police said they could not comment further because the case was before the courts.

A 34-year-old Christchurch man was charged last week in connection with the alleged concealment of Hepworth’s body.

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

Police earlier said they were continuing to investigate how Hepworth died.

The Herald previously reported that an autopsy was carried out after his body was found at a Hereford St property.

The results were understood to be inconclusive at that stage, with police awaiting further tests to help determine the circumstances of his death.

A source previously described the investigation as complex and a “slow burn”, saying there were “still more questions than answers”.

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

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

Hepworth had diabetes and relied on daily medication. He had also spent time living at the Christchurch City Mission.

Earlier this month, the grandfather of Hepworth’s 9-month-old daughter posted a heartfelt final message to the 21-year-old on social media.

“I need to let you know how much you meant to us,” he wrote in a letter to Hepworth.

“I want to thank you for coming into our lives and becoming such a special part of our family.

“When we first met you, you were a very quiet young man. You kept to yourself, and it took time for you to open up. But as the days went by, that silence slowly turned into a voice, your confidence grew, and we got to see the beautiful person you truly were.

“We welcomed you into our family with open arms. We helped you learn to cook, clean, get things organised, and navigate life’s challenges. We supported you in so many ways, but what you may never have realised is just how much you gave back to us in return.”

He said Hepworth “became a symbol of strength, love, courage, and support” within the family.

“Your smile could light up a room, and your presence brought something special into our home that words can never fully explain,” he said.

“You weren’t just someone who came into our lives. You became family. You became one of our own. You became someone we loved deeply.”