Counties Manukau Police have this afternoon arrested and charged two men with the murder of a 14 year old boy in Weymouth.
At about 9.00pm on Tuesday 12 August 2008 Police attended at a residence at 24 Justamere Place, Weymouth. On arrival Police found John HAPETA had received blunt force trauma to his head.
Detective Inspector John Tims of Counties Manukau CIB says the two unemployed men aged 23 and 21 years will appear in the Manukau District Court tomorrow.
"They are jointly charged with murder, assault with intent to rob, and possessing a pistol for the commission of a crime. Further charges have not been ruled out."
"Police enquiries are being made to determine the criminal liability of any other parties who may be involved."
"Two search warrants have been executed at addresses in South Auckland this morning and a number of items of interest have been located. These will be now be forwarded for forensic analysis."
"Police are confident there are other people who have knowledge of the events and circumstances that took place prior to and on the night of the murder."
"We would prefer these persons contact us rather than we go to them."
"Police acknowledge the enormous cooperation and support that has been received from all sectors of the public and the general media."
"Today's arrests are a direct result of this valuable assistance that has been provided to police," Detective Inspector John Tims said.
ENDS;
Kevin [Kev] Loughlin
District Communications Manager / Media Advisor
Waitemata Police District
Phone 09 488 9758 - Extn 96308 / Mobile 027 281 0271
Email - kevin.loughlin@police.govt.nz