Police are continuing to investigate the death of Jardin Whanga-Elliott (pictured), who died following an assault in Lower Hutt on Sunday morning.
Police can now confirm that Jardin was assaulted in two separate incidents.
The first incident, for which an arrest has already been made, occurred in Cleland Crescent.
The second incident occurred in Seddon Street, and it is this incident that Police are now focusing their investigation on.
Prior to these two incidents, Jardin had been attending a family 21st party. Police believe that a number of people who attended that party may have valuable information that will help identify the person or persons responsible for Jardin’s death, and we encourage anyone who has not already spoken to Police to make contact, either via Lower Hutt Police or Crimestoppers.
Police are also appealing for sightings of a red Mazda Familia (pictured) in the Cleland Crescent/Seddon Street area between 2am and 3am on Sunday 3 July.
“Police have been working with Jardin’s family to support them through this extremely difficult time,” says Detective Senior Sergeant Glenn Barnett.
“Jardin was a much loved son and brother and Police are committed to finding and holding to account those responsible for his death.”
“Police have been canvassing the Cleland Crescent/Seddon Street area and have seized a number of items that are currently being forensically examined. We will continue our investigations in the area over the next few days.”
“Although we are still working to piece together exactly what has happened with regard to the assault in Seddon Street, we do not believe at this stage that this was a random attack. A number of people are likely to have been present when Jardin was assaulted in Seddon Street and those people need to come forward.”
“Anyone with information that may be relevant is asked to contact Lower Hutt Police on 04 560 2600. Information can also be provided anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”
ENDS
