Charged with murdering man in Wainuiomata
WELLINGTON: A 28yearold has been charged with the murder of Paul Te Hiko in Wainuiomata.
Detective Senior Sergeant Mike Sears said the man was arrested in Hawke’s Bay earlier this week. He had appeared in the Hastings District Court and had been remanded in custody to appear in the High Court at Wellington on September 11.
‘‘We have been in touch with Paul’s family to inform them of the arrest,’’ Det Snr Sgt Sears said.
‘‘While they are grateful to know that someone has been arrested, they remain devastated and want to know why Paul was targeted.
‘‘While it is a significant milestone to now have someone before the court, we believe Mr Te Hiko was targeted by his attackers.’’
Police believed others were involved and investigators continued to focus on establishing what exactly happened, he said.
‘‘Now that someone has been arrested, we urge anyone who may know anything that will assist our investigation to contact police,’’ Det Snr Sgt Sears said.
‘‘Police would like to hear from anyone who saw or has information about the vehicle pictured driving around the Hutt Valley, specifically Wainuiomata, on March 7, 2018, or the days leading up to and following the murder on March 7, 2018.’’
The vehicle is described as a 1990s white Subaru Forester with a darkcoloured bonnet. — NZME