A Christchurch High Court jury has found Hayden Tasker guilty of murdering Nelson Senior Sergeant Lyn Fleming, bringing an emotional end to one of New Zealand’s most high-profile police killing trials.
The verdict follows a weeks-long trial centred on the fatal New Year’s Day attack in central Nelson in 2025, where Fleming and fellow officer Senior Sergeant Adam Ramsay were struck by a vehicle during foot patrols near Buxton Square. Fleming later died from catastrophic injuries while Ramsay survived with serious injuries.
Prosecutors argued Tasker deliberately accelerated his vehicle at the officers after drinking heavily and becoming angry toward police. The court heard evidence that he drove directly into the pair before later crashing into a police vehicle, injuring additional officers and members of the public.
The defence argued Tasker had been homeless, depressed and intoxicated at the time, claiming the incident was linked to a failed suicide attempt rather than an intention to kill. However, the jury rejected the manslaughter argument and returned a guilty verdict on the murder charge.
Senior Sergeant Lyn Fleming became the first female police officer in Aotearoa to be killed in the line of duty. Her death prompted nationwide mourning, with tributes flowing from police, political leaders and communities across the country.
The trial also heard emotional testimony from police officers who responded to the scene, describing the impact as catastrophic and detailing frantic efforts to save Fleming and assist the injured.
Tasker had previously pleaded guilty to several dangerous driving and drink-driving charges connected to the incident. Sentencing is expected at a later date.
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