Search continues for convicted murderer Katrina Epiha in Auckland who escaped custody

Police are urging anyone with information on a woman convicted of murder who has escaped from custody to come forward.

Katrina Epiha, 22, was sentenced to life in prison in Christchurch Superior Court last year for stabbing to death a woman at a party in 2017.

Northern Region Commissioner of Corrections Lynette Cave said Epiha was being returned to prison from Middlemore Hospital when she escaped.

Epiha, who has large, distinctive tattoos on her cheeks, around 12.30am on Friday, fleeing from Corrections staff and running towards Gray Ave, Māngere.

He was wearing a long-sleeved black T-shirt with a white shirt underneath, gray sweatpants, and light pink running shoes.

A police spokeswoman said Saturday that there were no updates on the search for her and that work would continue during the day to locate her.

Police have asked anyone who knows where Epiha is, or anyone who has seen her, to contact them immediately.

She is considered dangerous and the public has been told not to approach her, police said.

Anyone with information can contact the Manukau County Police on 09261 1321 or by calling 111.

During an alcohol-fueled rage, Epiha fatally stabbed 32-year-old mother Alicia Maree Nathan, also known as Robinson, and threatened to kill another woman on an Avonhead, Christchurch property in August 2017.

Epiha, who was 18 at the time of the attack, was jailed for at least 10 years as part of a life sentence for murder last year.

Police were informed immediately after Epiha escaped from Corrections staff, Cave said.

“We have provided them with information to help them locate her. We encourage anyone with information on her whereabouts to contact the police at 111.

“The prisoner is likely to be charged with escaping custody, which can result in a maximum penalty of five years in prison.

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