Murder charges laid over Murupara homicide

A 17 year old male and an 18 year old male have now been charged with murder following the suspicious death of 17 year old Kaine LEWIS in Murupara on Saturday 3 October.

The two males were due to appear in the Rotorua District Court today, (sub: Wednesday 14 October, 2009). They had both been previously charged with participating in a criminal group activity.

Acting Rotorua Area Commander Inspector Greg Sparrow says the investigation is still continuing and very active.

"Obviously we are pleased that we have been able to reach a point where we can charge two people with murder. We are continuing to speak with a number of other people who may have been involved.

"This was a serious incident which has had a significant impact on the Murupara community.

"Our priority has always been to hold people accountable for the actions which resulted in this death, and that will continue to be our focus until the wider investigation is complete."

Rotorua Police will continue to provide further updates as the investigation progresses.