ABSTRACT As a rare and complex phenomenon, the study of sexual homicide continues to be understudied in international contexts. This exploratory study sought to address this gap, utilising a dataset of 26 sexual homicide incidents which took place in New Zealand between 1968 and 2022, sourced from both judicial sentencing reports and a Police database. Descriptive analyses revealed men were the most common perpetrators, with females being the predominant victims. The act of moving or concealing the body emerged as a prevalent behaviour. Significant variation was observed between incidents, with each involving unique and distinctive sexual behaviours, further emphasising the challenges in understanding this complex phenomenon. By shedding light on both the commonalities and distinctive features across sexual homicides in a unique sample, this research highlights the heterogeneity among homicide offences of this nature, and provides insight to support the prevention, investigation and intervention with sexual homicide in both a local and global context. PRACTICE IMPACT STATEMENT This study sheds light on the dynamics of sexual homicide in New Zealand, highlighting common trends and unique behaviours among perpetrators and victims. By informing more targeted investigation strategies, it contributes to the collective aim of improving responses to sexual violence at both a local and global level.