Killer on the run in Auckland after escaping back from hospital

An Auckland prisoner escaped while being returned to prison from hospital and is on the run.

The prisoner is Katrina Roma Epiha, who was jailed in 2019 for the murder of Christchurch’s mother, Alicia Maree Nathan.

Epiha, who was 18 at the time, stabbed Nathan to death after an argument about loud music at a party.

Judge Gerald Nation sentenced her to life in prison with a minimum probation period of 10 years.

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He said that at the time Epiha had a pattern of violent responses to minor provocations, according to psychiatric reports.

Police said Epiha was last seen around 12:30 a.m. Friday running toward Gray Ave in Māngere after fleeing Corrections staff while at Middlemore Hospital.

Epiha is considered dangerous and should not be approached by the public.

Members of the public are encouraged to call 111 immediately if they see it.

Police said Epiha has large, distinctive tattoos on both sides of her face.

She was last seen in a long-sleeved black T-shirt with a white shirt underneath, gray sweatpants, and light pink sneakers.

Lynette Cave, Northern Regional Commissioner for Corrections, said the inmate, from the Auckland Region Women’s Correctional Center, is likely to be charged with escaping custody, which can result in a maximum sentence of five years in prison. .

A review of the circumstances of the incident is in progress.

“As the review is ongoing, we are limited in the amount of information we can provide,” Cave said.

Anyone with information on Epiha’s whereabouts or possible sightings should call Manukau County Police on 09 261 1321.