The Herald reported yesterday that a post-mortem examination had been carried out after the body of the 21-year-old was found at a Hereford St property.
But the results were inconclusive, it is understood, and police were now awaiting a number of test results before they can determine the circumstances of Hepworth’s death.
And even then, they may not give a “definitive” answer.
The property where Braydon Hepworth’s body was found. Photo / Jazlyn Whales
Police made the grisly discovery of Hepworth’s body as part of routine inquiries into his disappearance last month.
It is understood the occupant of the flat was among the last people Hepworth had contact with before he went missing.
The source said the investigation was complex and a “slow burn”.
It was still early days, and there were “still more questions than answers”.
The last confirmed sighting of Hepworth, who has a baby daughter, was at a Linwood service station on September 3.
Security footage showed him wearing a Monster Energy-branded beanie with a pair of headphones over the top.
Anna Leask is a senior journalist who covers Christchurch issues and national crime and justice. She joined the Herald in 2008 and has worked as a journalist for more than 20 years with a particular focus on family and gender-based violence, child abuse, sexual violence and homicides. She writes, hosts and produces the award-winning podcast A Moment In Crime, released monthly on nzherald.co.nz.