Police failed to objectively examine scene after Rachel Molloy’s death – IPCA

Police officers investigating the death of a Mt Eden woman failed to objectively examine the scene and reached conclusions without robust evidence, an Independent Police Conduct Authority (IPCA) has found.

Rachel Molloy was found at the bottom of the 10 concrete stairs that led up to her central Auckland flat, late at night on May 4, 2022.

Despite knowing the 30-year-old was both the alleged victim and central witness in an upcoming sexual assault trial, the fall – and her death – were treated as an accident.

The IPCA found while officers first on the scene did a good job, detectives who arrived soon afterwards failed to take fingerprints or secure the scene.

They also failed to communicate adequately with Molloy’s family.

Auckland City District Commander, Superintendent Sunny Patel, said police met with Molloy’s family and apologised to them last month.

“At the outset, we extend our deepest sympathies to Ms Molloy and her family for their loss of Rachel,” Patel said.

“We acknowledge that it has been an incredibly challenging period for the Molloy family over recent years.”

He said police were committed to conducting their investigations to a high standard.

This story was first published on rnz.co.nz