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Accused Christchurch shooter charged with murder of victim who is still alive


New Zealand police have admitted a mistake meant they charged the man arrested over the Christchurch mosque shootings with killing someone who is still alive.

Australian Brenton Tarrant, 28, was charged with a single count of murder as a procedural matter, following his arrest over the terror attack on Friday that killed 50.

But New Zealand police have now admitted the person listed as the victim, who cannot be named by court order, is actually alive.

Australian Brenton Tarrant, 28, was charged with one count of murder, but New Zealand Police say it was over the wrong person. Source: AAP
Australian Brenton Tarrant, 28, was charged with one count of murder, but New Zealand Police say it was over the wrong person. Source: AAP

“An error was made in the charging document prepared for the first court appearance,” a police spokeswoman said.

“The error saw an incorrect victim name included in the charging document.”

Police said they had apologised to the person listed and would be fixing the charging document.

Detective Superintendent Chris Page did not elaborate on how the woman was connected to the Christchurch shooting deaths, according to stuff.co.nz.

Police said the mistake did not affect the legality of the charge.

Tarrant is expected to face a raft of further charges when he next appears.

Police move floral tributes near the Al Noor Mosque on Deans Rd in Christchurch. Source: AAP
Police move floral tributes near the Al Noor Mosque on Deans Rd in Christchurch. Source: AAP