Mother's Search for Missing Daughter Continues as Police Reveal Foul Play Suspicions
Keywords: missing person, foul play, Leonie Emery, Malanena Emery, police investigation, Ngāruawāhia, Bombay Hills, forensic analysis, cold case, TVNZ Cold Case
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Tuesday, 24 June 2025
Malanena Emery has spent seven years searching for her missing daughter, Leonie, who disappeared in 2018. Leonie was last seen at her cousin’s home in Papakura between January 26 and February 4. Police have treated the case as a missing persons investigation, but recent developments suggest foul play may be involved. A forensic analysis of a property linked to Leonie in Bombay Hills revealed signs of blood cleanup, and police are appealing for information about the mysterious woman who picked her up from Ngāruawāhia and those who were at the party where she was allegedly assaulted. Malanena is frustrated that it took six years for police to announce their belief in foul play and is desperate for answers. Police continue to treat the case as active and ongoing, urging anyone with information to come forward.