Kaea Karauria. Photo: Facebook / Simplicity Bereavement Services - Āniwaniwa Funerals
The mother of 15-year-old Kaea Karauria, who was killed nearly two weeks ago, is pleading for those who were at a party where he died to tell the police the truth about what happened.
Karauria was found critically injured with stab wounds in Onekawa on Alexander Avenue at about 3am Sunday, 11 May. Despite all efforts by ambulance staff, he died at the scene.
Police are yet to find his killer and a team of 20 investigators are working on the homicide case.
- Know more? Contact alexa.cook@rnz.co.nz
Detective Inspector Martin James told RNZ that a group of 16 to 18 year olds, who were at the party with Kaea that night, are withholding information from Police.
"We are being challenged by a number of people, probably six or seven, who are not telling us the truth and we are aware of that.
"If they were to tell us the truth it would expedite the investigation to probably almost a closure," he said.
Kaea Karauria was found critically injured with stab wounds on Alexander Avenue at about 3am Sunday, 11 May. Photo: RNZ/Alexa Cook
Karauria's mother Kym Baker posted on social media asking for people to "please help us find justice for my son".
"My whānau is living in a constant state of grief and unanswered questions. Someone out there knows something. Even the smallest piece of information could make the biggest difference.
"Please, we are living this nightmare without our son. If you saw anything, heard anything, or know anything, I beg you to come forward," she said.
Karauria was stabbed on Mothers' Day during a fight after a party of about 50 people gathered on Dinwiddie Avenue in Onekawa. Baker urged those who know what happened to contact police.
"Do it for a mother who wakes up every day in pain. Do it for a dad internally fighting himself everyday. Do it for two babies adjusting to life. Do it for my son a life that mattered deeply.
"These clowns still go home to their whānau, my baby is gone forever. The longer they remain free, the longer our streets remain unsafe for all of our babies! Please do the right thing," said Kym.
Police at Dinwiddie Avenue after the stabbing took place. Photo: RNZ/Alexa Cook
'It's incredibly frustrating' - Police
Detective Inspector Martin James told RNZ police have now talked to over 50 people who were in and around Dinwiddie Avenue on the night of the stabbing. He said a lot of photographs have been uploaded to the police portal anonymously, and those who took them need to speak to the investigators.
"What we need now is the people who put those into the portal to come and talk to us.
"Those people who were at the party and know what happened hold valuable information," he said.
If people aren't coming forward because they're worried about their safety, then police said they can talk through a number of options to keep them safe.
James said the reluctance of those witnesses to come forward is slowing the investigation down.
"It's incredibly frustrating for our investigation team. This week we've executed a number of search warrants in relation to this.
"We've seized vehicles and have a number of items being forensically examined. We will get to the bottom of who is involved. Having the eye witness account of what occurred would certainly take us to that next level," said James.
He said it's been a big investigation and there are a number of people they are interested in. He said the are determined to find who killed Karauria.
"I'd like to thank my investigation team for the effort they're putting in. They've been working on this case for 11 or 12 days now and they don't lose sight of getting closure for Kaea's family," he said.
Police are reiterating that Karauria's family and this homicide have no connections to any gangs.
Karauria has been remembered as a quiet and respectful student who was full of 'creativity and skill'.
In a post on social media, Napier Boys High School said Karauria's death had deeply saddened their community.
"His passion for sport was like a superpower. Sport lit him up from the inside."
Kaea Karauria. Photo: Supplied
Anyone with information is asked to make a report online, or by calling 105.
Footage can be uploaded anonymously here - https://bunker.nc3.govt.nz/
Please quote the reference number 250511/1317. Information can also be provided anonymously to Crime Stoppers on
0800 555 111.
