Two children, aged 1 and 4, found dead in double homicide as person of interest taken into custody
RUAKAKA, NEW ZEALAND: A one-year-old baby and a four-year-old toddler were found dead inside a property in what authorities believe is a double homicide. Law enforcement in Northland, New Zealand responded to the grisly scene at an address on Peter Snell Drive in Ruakaka at 7.30 am on Monday, May 15, following reports of domestic issues at the home.
Police have since launched a homicide investigation into the deaths of the baby and child. Detective Inspector Bridget Doell said investigators are currently speaking to a woman, who wasn't identified, adding that no one else was being sought in connection to the tragedy.
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Police investigation
"While we appreciate the wider interest in what has occurred, police aren't in a position to release any further details at this stage," detective inspector Doell told reporters. "Our investigation is still in the early stages and we are currently speaking with a person as part of our inquiries. There will be an increased police presence in the area, and we will provide further updates as our investigation progresses. News of this incident will come as a shock to the community, and we can reassure them we are not currently seeking anyone else in relation to this incident." Police have also spoken to residents on the quiet street, according to 1News.
The house was reportedly managed by Kainga Ora, New Zealand's social housing provider, per local news outlet Stuff. "Our thoughts are with the whānau and with the small Ruakākā community who will all feel the impacts of this tragedy," Jeff Murray, Kāinga Ora's regional director for Northland, said in a statement. "We will be checking in with our customers in the area to see what support they may need. Due to the ongoing police investigation, we are unable to comment further." Meanwhile, Whangarei Mayor Vince Cocurullo told the Northern Advocate that the incident was "tragic and shocking," noting that "the family and community will be reeling and will need support."
'Quite a shock' to the community
Ruakaka is a small beachside community located about 135km north of Auckland on New Zealand's North Island. A Stuff reporter at the scene on Monday said a police car was blocking the road at the corner of Tamingi Street and Peter Snell Road, which is not far from the local ambulance station. Police tape was wound around a couple of palm trees down the street and a blue police tent had been set up as forensics worked the scene. Local resident Jed Smith told 9News that the incident would definitely have a negative impact on the community. "It couldn't get any worse - it's horrible," he said. Meanwhile, local pharmacist Warren Green said an incident like this was only something people read about, but didn't expect to happen in the community. "It's quite a shock to think that it happens somewhere like this," Green told the outlet.
Shirley Winters, the principal of One Tree Point School, offered her condolences to the Ruakaka community and said support was available to students. "We are aware of the sad loss of two children in Ruakākā this morning," Winters said. "Our sincere aroha and thoughts are with the whānau and everyone concerned. We have support systems in place for any of our tamariki who need it." Wayne Buckland, the principal of Bream Bay College, said the school was aware of the tragic incident. "We will continue to monitor the situation and provide support as and when needed," he said, adding that police told the school there were no indications of any safety issues for students at this time. The school continued to function as usual on Monday, per 9News.