Twist in death of Hutt bashing victim
There has been an explosive start to the inquest into the death of Jardin Whanga-Elliott, with police confirming he died after falling from a moving vehicle, not as a result of being in a fight.
The Hamilton-raised 21-yearold, who was living in Wellington, had been involved in an altercation after attending a 21st birthday ‘‘after-party’’ on Cleland Cres in Naenae, Lower Hutt on July 3, 2016.
He was found by two women at 3.27am on Seddon Cres, lying in a gutter with severe head injuries. He was placed on life support but died at Wellington Regional Hospital days later.
On the first day of a three-day coronial inquest at Wellington District Court yesterday, Senior Sergeant Scott Dunn revealed the findings of an autopsy, which contradicted earlier media reports.
‘‘The most likely cause of the victim’s injuries and his subsequent death was as a result of falling from a moving vehicle,’’ Dunn said.
This finding was based on his injuries, witness testimony and the examination of Whanga-Elliott’s polar-fleece jersey, which was consistent with having ‘‘significant’’ contact with tarseal.
Whanga-Elliott, who was described as being ‘‘intoxicated’’ and ‘‘attempting to steal cigarettes and alcohol’’ from partygoers, fell from the back of a red Mazda Familia driven by his uncle Quentin Herewini, who will give evidence at the inquest.
Whanga-Elliott had been asked to leave the party on multiple occasions by the after-party’s bouncer, Talosaga Terry David Moreli, 27, and was eventually escorted from the premises.
While there were ‘‘contradicting accounts’’ of what happened next, it was believed WhangaElliott asked Moreli to fight but instead left the party and went to Herewini’s house close by.
Later, both returned to the party in Herewini’s vehicle. ‘‘On arrival, they were met by a large group of people who were still outside the party address.’’
Moreli, who was convicted and discharged on two counts of assault, hit Herewini to the ground, before pulling Whanga-Elliott out of the vehicle and stomping on his chest, witnesses claim.
Moreli – who admitted to consuming ‘‘about 20 stubbies’’ over the course of the night – refuted the stomping claim while giving evidence yesterday but admitted to kicking WhangaElliott.
While that was taking place, several other partygoers surrounded the vehicle and began kicking it and breaking several windows.
Herewini, Whanga-Elliott and three women fled the scene in the car, which had its doors open.
Those inside the Mazda stopped at a nearby Four Square, where Whanga-Elliott was described as ‘‘being angry’’ and ‘‘wanting to return to the party to fight’’.
Herewini and Whanga-Elliott then argued but, as Herewini drove off, Whanga-Elliott exited the vehicle, receiving what would later prove to be fatal injuries.