Youth charged with murder of Rotorua man at campground

A Hastings youth has been arrested and charged for allegedly murdering 57-year-old Rotorua man Adrian Humphreys who was found dead at a remote campground in Ta¯ngara¯kau on May 7.

Humphreys was an anaesthetic technician, originally from the United Kingdom, and worked at Southern Cross Healthcare in Rotorua.

New Plymouth Police arrested the youth and charged him yesterday morning.

He was due to make an initial appearance in the Hastings Youth Court later in the day.

In a statement provided to media by police, Humphreys’ sister, Taresa, said the loss of her brother continues to have a major impact on the family’s lives but the news of an arrest was encouraging.

“We hope that justice will be served for Adrian’s sake and for the safety of other good New Zealanders we sincerely hope Adrian has not died in vain.”

It had been 97 days since Humphreys’ death and the investigation team was relieved that they could begin the process of holding someone to account, Detective Senior Sergeant Gerard Bouterey said.

“We have been in contact with Adrian’s family in the United Kingdom and advised them of this significant development. I would like to use this opportunity to thank the residents of Ta¯ngara¯kau for their support during a very unsettling period.

“I would also like to acknowledge the investigation team and specialist support staff who have worked very long hours piecing together the events that led to Adrian’s death.”

The investigation was ongoing. Police believed there were people with information yet to come forward.