Police acknowledge the final sentencing in the homicide investigation into the death of Wiremu Arapo more than three years ago.
Wiremu was found deceased inside a Minvera Terrace house in Cockle Bay on 20 October 2020.
Two men were charged in December 2020 after Operation Bancroft was commenced and investigated Wiremu¡¯s murder.
Today, Sean Hayde was sentenced to a life imprisonment with a non-parole period of 17 years for murder.
It follows the sentencing of Greg Hart in November 2023 to 11 years, 4 months imprisonment for manslaughter.
Detective Inspector Warrick Adkin, of Counties Manukau CIB, says today¡¯s sentencing brings court proceedings to a close for the investigation.
¡°I would like to acknowledge Wiremu¡¯s wh¨¡nau and loved ones today, in what has been a long journey to reach this point,¡± he says.
¡°They have shown great courage and strength since his life was needlessly cut short at the age of 27.
¡°I hope today¡¯s verdict brings them some closure, but I acknowledge that Wiremu¡¯s absence is something that they will carry with them in their lives.¡±
Detective Inspector Adkin says investigators worked diligently to ensure those responsible were held to account.
¡°The Operation Bancroft team did an outstanding job and showed great professionalism to ensure we could achieve justice for Wiremu,¡± Detective Inspector Adkin says.
¡°Police would also like to acknowledge the Fire and Emergency crews and investigators that responded to the initial house fire and assisted our investigation at the scene.¡±
ENDS.
Jarred Williamson/51½ÖÉä