Gang-linked killings
A shooting at a Hamilton house that left one man dead and two others injured was an ordered hit by a rival gang, a source close to the investigation claims.
The revelations come as police investigate two other gang-linked slayings in the region.
The hit on affiliates of the Mongrel Mob – the country’s largest gang – was ordered by the Tauranga-based motorcycle gang Greazy Dogs after a failed deal with the Mob, the source alleges.
It is understood police have obtained correspondence between Mob members discussing the gang deal.
The target of the shooting was senior Mongrel Mob member Mark Griffiths.
The early hour hit on July 8 resulted in the death of Robert Nelson, 23, who was the partner of Griffiths’ daughter, Kahlee Marfell, 20.
It is understood three men brandishing guns knocked on the door of Griffiths’ rented home in Melville about 1am.
Marfell answered the door and the men asked for her father.
In a panic, Marfell attempted to slam the door and run from the gunmen. She was gunned down in the hallway.
Nelson, who was in bed at the time, came out of the room and was fatally shot.
Griffiths’ nephew, Izzaic Hauwaho, 17, who was staying at the house, came out of one of the bedrooms after hearing the commotion and was shot multiple times in the head and torso.
It is understood three armed men knocked on the door about 1am.
He remains in a critical condition. Marfell underwent surgery and has since been released from hospital.
Sources close to the investigation said Griffiths was at the address when the shooting happened. The house owners say Griffiths had installed a keypad lock on the bedroom door.
Five days after the shooting, the house was set alight.
A car was seen leaving the scene just after 9pm.
Since the shooting and fire, the Mongrel Mob have heightened security and members are armed, a source close to the investigation says. And it’s not just the gangs that have ramped up numbers.
More than 60 police staff are working on three investigations that police believe were targeted acts by gangs.
In June, Waikato man Wayne Noda, 48, was found dead in his home, near the Huntly Power station. He died of injuries inflicted during an assault.
And on Friday, Nga¯ ruawa¯ hia man Mitchell Curtis Rehua Paterson, 26, who has links to the Greazy Dogs, was found in the water below McLaren Falls bridge near Tauranga.
Detective Inspector Graham Pitkethley confirmed yesterday that Paterson was beaten before he died. Police have located a Nissan Terrano they believe was linked to his death.
They are now seeking sightings of the light coloured vehicle travelling between Hamilton and the Tauranga area between Wednesday July 11 and Friday July 13.
Pitkethley said each homicide was being investigated individually. Those involved had links to several different gangs.
Police have made three arrests related to Paterson’s death, with all remanded in custody.