Arrests over nephew and uncle deaths
Police have arrested five men in connection with the deaths of Raymond and James Fleet.
The bodies of the uncle and nephew were discovered in the Mamaku Forest, Rotorua, on August 17, after the pair were reported missing a week prior.
Rotorua police launched a homicide investigation into the deaths of the men, aged 51 and 25.
Five men were arrested yesterday, Rotorua police confirmed.
The men are facing numerous charges including murder, manslaughter, accessory after the fact of murder, manufacture of methamphetamine and possession of substances, materials and equipment with intent.
Four of the men, aged 34, 29, 26 and 21 will appear in the Rotorua District Court today.
The fifth man, 26, will appear in the Whakata¯ne District Court today.
‘‘The type of incident is extremely rare in Rotorua and I know it has shocked our community,’’ Inspector Anaru Pewhairangi said.
Raymond and James Fleet had not been seen since 6.30pm on August 7, when James left his grandmother’s Mamaku house but did not take his shoes, wallet, keys and car. Raymond went missing about the same time, his car parked outside his house.
Family reported the pair missing the following day and police announced their disappearances as suspicious.
After the bodies of the pair were discovered on August 17, a homicide investigation was launched
The pair were reported missing by family. Both of their vehicles were still parked outside their houses.
Friday, August 11 – Police release descriptions of the men saying they could be in the Rotorua or Auckland areas. Their disappearance is described as unusual.
Tuesday, August 15 – Police say they are now treating the men’s disappearances as suspicious.
Thursday, August 17 – Police find what they believe are the bodies of both men in Mamaku.
Tuesday, October 3 – Police arrest five men in connection with the deaths of Raymond and James Fleet.