Canterbury Police can now release the name of the little boy who passed away shortly after arriving at Christchurch Hospital A&E department last Friday (3 July 2015).
He was 15 month old Ihaka Paora Braxton Stokes.
Detective Inspector Greg Murton says “we have received the post mortem results and it is apparent that he has suffered multiple blunt force injuries including a number of fractured bones and other non-accidental injuries. The scene examination and post mortem results have confirmed that Ihaka was the victim of an extremely violent assault, or assaults, and has subsequently died of his injuries.”
“The homicide investigation into his death will continue and is making good progress. The scene examination is now complete and the property will be handed back to the family today” explained Detective Inspector Murton.
No further comment will be made at this time.
A media stand-up verbalising this release was held at 3.30pm this afternoon (8 July 2015).
ENDS
Issued by: Lisa-Marie Brooks, District Communications Manager, Canterbury Police District. Mobile: 021 942 404