Homicide and manslaughter

Homicide 

Homicide is when one person causes the death of another person. 
Murder and manslaughter are both types of homicide. 

Murder 

Murder is a homicide where the person intended to cause death, or knew their actions could cause death. 

Manslaughter 

Manslaughter is a homicide where a person causes someone's death, but did not have the intent required for murder. 

The death of a family member, loved one, friend, or someone important to you because of a crime can affect you deeply. 

As well as grief and loss, you may feel shock, anger, confusion, fear, or uncertainty about what happens next. These feelings are normal. 

You may have contact with police, Victim Support court staff, and other parts of the justice system. This can feel overwhelming too. 

You do not have to go through this alone. Information, practical help, cultural support, emotional support, and financial help may be available for you and your whānau at any stage, including months or years after the death.

There are services that can help you understand what is happening and connect you with support.

Depending on the circumstances, you may: 

• have contact with police during the investigation
• be assigned a Police Victim Liaison Officer
• be contacted by a Court Victim Advisor after the defendant's first court appearance
• receive information about the investigation and the court process
• be able to make a Victim Impact Statement
• be referred to support services. 

Everyone's needs are different. Some people want information straight away, while others need support later. You can seek assistance whenever you feel ready. 

You can find more information:

• about the justice process: Going through the court process
• and about victims' rights: Victims Code. 

Financial help 

Financial assistance may be available if someone has died because of a crime. This can include help with some costs and support services. 

Support may be available through: 

• the Victim Assistance Scheme
• ACC, if the death resulted from an injury covered by ACC
• other government assistance, depending on your circumstances. 
  
  

Support may include: 

• help with immediate emergency costs
• counselling or rongoā
• travel and accommodation related to justice proceedings
• funeral or tangihanga costs
• other financial costs as a result of the death. 

You can find more information about Financial help. 

When someone has died because of a crime, certain family members may have rights under the Victims' Rights Act (and the Victims Code). 

These are to make sure you are treated with respect, kept informed and can participate in the justice process if you want to. 

Depending on your circumstances, you may be able to: 

• receive information about the investigation and court proceedings
• receive information about support services and assistance available
• make a Victim Impact Statement explaining how the death has affected you and your whānau
• receive information about parole hearings and offender release decisions
• register with the Victim Notification Register to receive updates about the offender.

You can choose how involved you wish to be in the justice process. Support is available to help you understand your rights and options. 

You can find more information about the Victims Code. 

Victim Notification Register 

The Victim Notification Register is an option you can choose if you want information about an offender as they move through the justice system. 

Joining the Victim Notification Register is your choice. You are not added automatically. 

• Police decide whether someone is eligible for the register.
• Corrections administers the register. 

If you are eligible and choose to register, you may receive information about: 

• parole hearings
• release from prison
• escape from custody
• other significant changes in the offender's status. 

Some people find this information helpful for planning, safety, or peace of mind. You can choose to receive notifications yourself or ask someone you trust to receive them on your behalf. 
 
You can find more information about the Victim Notification Register. (external link)

After a homicide, there may be more than one process. 

Depending on the circumstances, this can include: 

• a police investigation
• a criminal court case
• a coronial process. 

These processes have different purposes and may happen at the same time or one after another. 

Criminal court proceedings 

If someone is charged with murder or manslaughter, the case will usually be heard in the High Court. 

Murder and manslaughter are Category 4 offences. Category 4 offences are usually decided by a jury. 

The court process can take time and may involve a number of hearings before a trial happens. 

For more information about court proceedings, see Going through the court process. 

Coroners Court 

After some deaths, a coroner may investigate what happened. 

A coroner is an independent judicial officer who investigates certain deaths.
  
The coroner considers: 

• when the death happened
• where the death happened
• how the death happened
• the circumstances around the death. 

The coroner may also consider whether anything can be learned to help prevent similar deaths in the future. The coronial process is separate from the criminal court process.

Grief and loss affects everyone differently. The impacts can last long after formal process have finished. 

Support may still be helpful months or years after a death. 

You can seek information and support whenever you are ready, including counselling, cultural support, and wellbeing services. 

Find more information about Supporting organisations. 

You do not have to go through the justice process on your own. 

You can:

• stay in contact with the police officer or Victim Liaison Officer involved in the case
• ask questions about the court process
• find out whether you can make a Victim Impact Statement
• find out whether you are eligible for the Victim Notification Register
• contact support services if you need practical, emotional, cultural, or wellbeing support.