Please attribute to Detective Inspector Gary Lendrum, Counties Manukau Police:
Police have now charged two men in relation to the 1987 murder of Chris Bush in Maramarua.
Police have been investigating the tragic and senseless death of Chris, who was shot dead 30 years ago at the Red Fox Tavern just before midnight on Saturday 24 October.
Our investigation was reopened after new information was provided to Police.
A 57-year-old man was arrested in Tauranga yesterday and charged with murder and aggravated robbery. He will appear in the Manukau District Court today.
A 58-year-old man was charged today in Auckland with murder and aggravated robbery. He will appear in Manukau District Court next week with the date to be confirmed.
We would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge the media, Police Ten 7 and members of the public for their assistance with this investigation. Members of our community came forward with invaluable information which has gotten us to where we are today.
I would like to thank Chris’ family, they have been through every family’s worst nightmare and throughout this time they have shown courage, strength and bravery. We hope these arrests can offer them some degree of comfort and closure.
These arrests have been a long-time coming and we hope this sends a message that Police will not give up on finding those responsible for crimes and holding them to account.
Police are unable to make any further comment while this matter is before the courts.
ENDS
Shelley Nahr/NZ Police