25 Mar 2021

Epsom deaths: Man, 29, charged with murder

3:53 pm on 25 March 2021

Police investigating the deaths of Epsom couple Elizabeth and Herman Bangera have charged a man with murder.

Police at the scene of a 'serious incident' in Epsom, Auckland.

Police outside the Epsom property last Friday. Photo: RNZ / Dan Cook

The 29-year-old, under police guard at Auckland Hospital, faces two charges of murder and one charge of attempted murder.

Detective Inspector Scott Beard said the case had been extremely difficult and an "absolute tragedy".

A bedside court hearing is scheduled for tomorrow.

Police were called to the dead couple's property in Epsom around 11.30am last Friday.

They found two people with critical injuries who were then treated by paramedics but died at the scene.

Another person who police said was a friend of the couple was taken to hospital with serious injuries.

The Bangeras left Goa in India to make New Zealand their home over a decade ago.

Elizabeth Bangera, who was 55, worked at the School of Pharmacy (Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences) at the University of Auckland.

Herman Bangera, 60, worked at Fisher and Paykel Healthcare.

Both were also well known within the Indian community in Auckland and members have expressed shock and grief over their deaths.