Graeme William Burton has been arrested and charged with twenty three offences in regards to two home invasions and the shooting spree which resulted in the death of Karl Paul Kuchenbecker that occurred on the firebreaks along the eastern hills above Hutt Valley last weekend.
Detective Senior Sergeant Shane Cotter says "When spoken to by Police, Burton declined to make a statement and has been arrested and charged. He appeared at a special bedside court hearing at 10am this morning and has been remanded in custody until the 2nd of February without plea."
The charges include:
Firebreak shooting offences (occurred on 6th January 2007) • The murder of Karl Paul Kuchenbecker • The attempted murder of Name and details suppressed • The attempted murder of Name and details suppressed • The aggravated robbery, kidnapping, aggravated injury, threatening to kill and use of a firearm in the commission of a crime against Nicholas Joseph Rea • The aggravated robbery, kidnapping, injuring with reckless disregard for the safety of other, threatening to kill and use of a firearm in the commission of a crime against Kate Ellen Rea • The use of a firearm against a law enforcement officer (x2) Names and details suppressed
Home Invasion offences (occurred in Wellington on 3rd January 2007) • Wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm • Aggravated burglary • Use of a firearm in the commission of a crime
Home Invasion offences (occurred in Lower Hutt on 5th January 2007) • Aggravated burglary • Aggravated robbery of Wade Liam Wallace • Aggravated robbery of Tara Michelle Enoka • Aggravated robbery of Khan Darryl Thompson • Use of a firearm in the commission of a crime
When Police advised the victims, they expressed a range of emotions.
Suppression orders have been granted by the court preventing the naming or any identifying details of the two male mountain bikers and the two police officers involved in the shooting of Graeme Burton.
The Judge commented that care needs to be taken by the media to ensure the right of Graeme Burton to a fair trial.
MAN SOUGHT
At around 6am yesterday morning (Wednesday 10 January) a man went to Wellington hospital demanding to speak to Graeme Burton. When this request was refused he threatened to kill the two police officers involved in the capture and arrest of Burton. He then left the hospital.
A short time later a marked police patrol car parked in the hospital grounds had several windows smashed and a side mirror ripped off.
Police are treating this incident seriously and want anyone knowing anything about this attack or identity of this man to contact police.
He is described as • Male • Caucasian • 25 - 30 yrs • 5' 10 - 5" 11 • Dark Stubble • Medium build • No 2 or 3 hair cut with a ginger/brown hair • Approx 3 thin scratches about 2 cm in length on left side of face which appeared recent • Long sleeved possibly maroon/red and white checked shirt • Light coloured jeans • No description of shoes • Scruffy appearance • No tattoos seen
He demeanor was described as being in a highly agitated, nervous and angry state and swearing to himself.
People with any information in relation to this enquiry can contact the enquiry team directly on 0508 324 734 or 0508 FAIRFIELD
Detective Senior Sergeant Shane Cotter