|
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
Police have arrested two men this evening, October 29, wanted in connection with the death of Tristan Oakes, 29, in Te Puke on Saturday, October 25.
Detective Senior Sergeant Natalie Flowerdew-Brown, Western Bay of Plenty Area Investigations Manager, says the men, aged 39 and 40, were taken into custody and are due to appear in the Tauranga District Court tomorrow charged with murder.
Previously, police had appealed for information to locate two men, Kanan Clarke, 39, and Joseph Yorke, 40, who were being sought in connection with the homicide.
Tristan Oakes, affectionately known as Eru, died in hospital after being critically injured when he was shot at his Te Puke home.
A spokesperson for the family told the Franklin Times the family are “broken beyond words” and that Oakes had “asked for help multiple times” in connection with the pair.
She said his twin brother was beside him when he was shot and that Eru had been punched by one of the accused a week earlier, though “no one knows why”.
“Eru was a devoted partner and a much-loved son,” she said. “Our family is heartbroken, but we’re grateful to everyone who has reached out with support and to police for their work.”
Family and friends were gathering at a tangi to celebrate Oakes’ life when police released details of the murder-accused. Video sent to the Franklin Times showed a powerful haka, lead by his brother, performed as he was lying in state this evening.
“Hundreds of people have been coming and going,” she said.
His funeral will be held tomorrow, October 30.
Detective Senior Sergeant Flowerdew-Brown says police continue to support Oakes’ loved ones.“Our thoughts are with his friends and family at this difficult time,” she said.
She also thanked the community for its help.
“Police would like to thank the community for their assistance during the investigation.”
A scene examination has been completed in the Maneoka area, where police carried out extensive enquiries following the shooting.
