The Chase Of 22-Year-Old Killer Katrina Epiha Continues As Authorities Keep Their Lips Closed About The Leak

The search for a convicted murderer has continued into its second day, as authorities refuse to provide clarity on how he escaped from custody at Middlemore Hospital.

Katrina Epiha was last seen at 12.30am yesterday morning, running towards Gray Avenue in Mangere fleeing the Corrections staff who had transported her to the South Auckland hospital.

Epiha was sentenced to life in prison for fatally stabbing a 32-year-old mother at a party in Christchurch in 2017.

It is still unclear why the 22-year-old was in the hospital, either for treatment or to visit someone, and both the Department of Corrections and police said today that it is up to the other authority to provide answers.

It was clear to the police that none of their officers were present at the time Epiha escaped and therefore corrections were needed to explain why she was there and how she escaped.

However, a member of the Corrections media communications staff said today: “We cannot give you more information, now it is a police matter.”

They also added that Epiha was a woman from Auckland.

It is unclear where Epiha had been imprisoned since her sentencing in May 2019.

Northern Region Corrections Commissioner Lynette Cave said yesterday that Epiha was being returned to prison from the hospital when she escaped.

The police have described Epiha as dangerous and should not be approached by members of the public.

She has large distinctive tattoos on her face and was last seen in a long-sleeved black top with a white shirt underneath, gray sweatpants, and light pink sneakers.

“The prisoner is likely to be charged with escaping from custody, which can result in a maximum sentence of five years in prison,” Cave said.

“A full operational review of the circumstances of the incident is underway.”

Epiha stabbed Alicia Nathan during an alcoholic rampage on Avonhead property on August 5, 2017. She also threatened to kill another person on the property.

She was 18 years old at the time of the attack and was sentenced to life in prison with a minimum probation period of 10 years.

The victim’s father, Paul Robinson, told the court that he had video called his daughter only 20 minutes before her death.

It says Epiha stole Nathan’s three-year-old son’s laughter, hugs, and a future with his mother.

Anyone with information on Epiha’s whereabouts should call the police at 111.