Loved ones in shock at fatal stabbing
Distraught family mourns volunteer firefighter as police search for killer
The young man stabbed to death on an Auckland walkway by a dangerous suspect who remains at large was a much-loved volunteer firefighter, the Weekend Herald understands.
A woman who spoke on behalf of his parents said the family was experiencing a level of trauma “beyond description” after their son’s killing.
His body was found on the Roy Clements Treeway, a popular walkway next to Mt Albert Grammar in suburban Auckland, on Tuesday.
He had received multiple stab wounds.
Police have yet to release the name of the man, who was in his early 20s. The Weekend Herald has chosen not to name him because one family member is yet to be informed.
Police last night said a warrant had been issued for the arrest of Christian Eteuati for a charge of murder.
“Police continue to advise the public that Eteuati is considered extremely dangerous and he should not be approached,” Detective Inspector Chris Barry told the Herald.
Eteuati, 22, has links to the Sandringham and West Auckland areas, Barry said.
“Please call 111 immediately if you sight Eteuati.”
At the victim’s family home in a small community on the outskirts of Auckland, friends and wha¯nau were gathering to support his shocked parents yesterday, as police continued to hunt for the killer.
The distraught family was requesting privacy, the spokeswoman said.
“They need their privacy right now,” she said. “The trauma is beyond description.”
The family members are longstanding residents of their community, and the victim was a member of the volunteer rural fire brigade in the small settlement, it is understood.
Flowers lay outside the fire station yesterday.
The brigade chief said he had been asked by family members to respect their privacy and not to comment.
Investigators believe the victim was not known to his killer, and they do not think robbery was a motive.
While Auckland has been rocked by a series of gang-related shootings this week, Barry said there was no indication the killing was linked to organised crime.
The crime scene is next to Mt Albert Grammar School and near several other schools but police say an adult passerby found the victim.
“We believe the victim was walking along the pathway and was on his way home,” Barry said.
He was located up the pathway, close to the boardwalk.
Police appealed for any witnesses or anyone with any information to come forward.
“There would have been other people around . . . our message to them is please contact us if you were in the area because you may hold that vital piece of evidence that will assist the investigation.”
They are also seeking CCTV and dashcam footage which may be of interest.
A wide cordon remains in place around the crime scene, and police guards are stationed at multiple entrances.
Albert-Eden local board chairwoman Margi Watson said the community was reeling from the incident.
“It’s a significant and sad event for the wider Mt Albert, Sandringham, St Lukes community . . . it should never have happened and that’s what’s incredibly sad, someone’s lost their life. My thoughts are with the victim and his family and friends.”
She encouraged local people to keep safe.
“Just looking out for each other and reporting anything directly to the police that might assist is so important but they should never put themselves at risk.
“I would hope that our community take notice of what the police have said about not approaching, but if they have information, they share it.”
Police say any information that may assist with the investigation can be reported by calling 105 and quoting file number 220524/8192, or Operation Volans. Information can also be provided anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.