In Mangakino, Constable Stretch attended to reports of a burglary at a local store. When he arrived, he located the offender and chased him from the store.

The offender was caught at the entrance to the local hospital, but he overpowered Constable Stretch, who died of extensive head injuries.

The offender was arrested the following day and charged with murder. He pleaded guilty and was sentenced to life imprisonment, with a minimum non-parole period of 16 years.