Christchurch caregiver Valerie May Heaney, 64, was found dead in the hallway of her Bromley home on April 4 2022. 

Initially, police said her death was unexplained but after a post-mortem examination, it became clear something violent and horrific had happened to Val. 

Elliot Ajay Prakash, 43, was later charged with her murder.

He was a boarder at Heaney's home and the pair were sometimes lovers.

In this episode of A Moment In Crime I'll tell you why - and how - Prakash killed Val, and what he told police.

This episode is about domestic violence and may be upsetting for some people. 

READ MORE ON THIS CASE:

Val Heaney murder: Man who battered landlord with hockey stick jailed for life, previous violence revealed

Family violence - do you need help?

If you're in danger now:

• Phone the police on 111 or ask neighbours of friends to ring for you.
• Run outside and head for where there are other people.
• Scream for help so that your neighbours can hear you.
• Take the children with you.
• Don't stop to get anything else.
• If you are being abused, remember it's not your fault. Violence is never okay

Where to go for help or more information:

• Shine, free national helpline - 0508 744 633 www.2shine.org.nz
• Women's Refuge: Free national crisis line operates 24/7 - 0800 refuge or 0800 733 843 www.womensrefuge.org.nz
• Shakti: Providing specialist cultural services for African, Asian and middle eastern women and their children. Crisis line 24/7 0800 742 584
• It's Not Ok: Information line 0800 456 450 www.areyouok.org.nz