Police investigating the death of a Christchurch teenager whose body was found in her burnt-out house, say she was assaulted.
[image:3718:half:right]The body of Jade Bayliss, 13, was found on Thursday by the Fire Service at a house in Barrington St, in the southern suburb of Somerfield. Her death is being treated as a homicide.
Two men whom police say are known to Jade's family were arrested on Thursday in relation to the case. Police won't say, however, what charges the men, aged 40 and 34, are facing.
But they would like to hear from anybody who saw a light green Mitsubishi Diamante station-wagon, belonging to one of the men, near Jade's home on Thursday.
Detective Inspector Virginia Le Bas says Jade was a student at Cashmere High School, but had been at home sick on Thursday.
A post-mortem has indicated that she died in unnatural circumstances.
Police are continuing their scene examination at the house, where Jade lived with her mother, and have been searching the home of the arrested men in the suburb of Woolston.
Statement on behalf of the family
Police in Christchurch have issued the following statement on behalf of the family of Jade Bayliss:
"Our family is devastated at the loss of our beautiful daughter Jade. We are distraught that this has occurred.
"We ask for privacy in this sad time, to help us grieve.
"We also ask that if anyone has any information that could assist the police investigation, please come forward and talk to the police."
