Please attribute to Detective Inspector Joel Syme:
Police acknowledge today’s sentencing in relation to the death of 18-year-old Levi Haami, who died in December 2021.
A 17-year-old male has been sentenced in the Christchurch High Court today (Wednesday, 31 August) after pleading guilty to manslaughter earlier this year.
I would like to acknowledge the immense impact this tragedy has had on the whanau involved with this incident.
This was a senseless act of violence and our thoughts are with Levi’s whanau and friends today as they continue to mourn his life.
Their lives have been changed forever.
Nothing will ease the pain of what has occurred, but it is my hope that today’s sentencing will bring some level comfort for his loved ones.
A statement from Levi's family:
We are committed to seeking change so that this type of offending has a higher recognition in the justice system.
We ask for privacy at this time so we can grieve and do not wish to be contacted further by media.
ENDS
Issued by Police Media Centre