New Zealand / Crime

Man faces murder charge after body found in a car in Rotorua

10:32 am on 19 December 2025

Photo: 123RF

A 28-year-old man has been charged with murder a week after a body was found in a car in Rotorua.

The man is due to appear in the Rotorua District Court on Friday morning, charged with the murder of Nicholas Mitchell, who was 37.

Detective Senior Sergeant Mark van Kempen said the investigation was ongoing and he would not rule out further arrests.

Mitchell, 37, was [https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/581732/homicide-investigation-launched-in-rotorua-after-police-called-to-alleged-crash-scene

found dead in a vehicle on Ford Road in the city, last Friday].

Officers were called to the scene after receiving reports of a vehicle crashing into a tree.

The only person in the car was found critically injured and died shortly after.

A police spokesperson said later that the injuries the person had "are not consistent with a crash".

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