Update: Fatal Taita assault

Attribute to Detective Senior Sergeant Tim Leitch: 
 
Police are continuing to investigate a fatal assault in Taita on Friday night. 
 
Police can now name the victim. He was Faapaia Fonoilaepa, 29, a painter from Avalon. 
 
Our principal focus at this time is locating the man that left the scene following the assault.   The man is described as Maori, of solid build, aged 30-40 years, with dark hair and facial tattoos. He was wearing black clothes. 
 
The man initially left the scene on foot, walking in a southerly direction.   He then returned to the scene, later leaving in a silver Toyota Carib station wagon.   
 
The car is missing its front left hubcap and has some damage to its front left panel and indicator. 
 
The car was seen at the High Street scene for several minutes before it left, travelling north.  It was later located in Pringle Street. 
 
Police can confirm that the people involved were not customers of the Big Barrel liquor store - the only link to the store is that the incident occurred nearby.   We would however like to thank the owners of Big Barrel for the assistance they have provided the investigation team, including the provision of CCTV footage of activity outside the store. 
 
Police would also like to speak to the woman pictured. She was walking north on High Street at the time of the incident (7.30pm) and may have observed something which could assist our investigation. 
 
The woman is of medium build and was wearing dark clothing and carrying a shoulder bag. She had long brown, curly hair and was wearing headphones. 
 
Police are also continuing to focus on identifying anyone else who may have been in the area at the time and observed the incident or assisted afterward.   
 
Our inquiries have indicated that a number of people came to assist, including some who were driving by and stopped.   
 
We would like to hear from anyone we have not yet spoken to and request that they get in touch with us at their earliest convenience. 
 
If you can help, please call Lower Hutt Police on 04 560 2600. 
 
Information can also be provided anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. 
 
ENDS
 
Issued by Police Media Centre.