Suspect in fatal Auckland bashing arrested

Patrick Young. Photo / NZPA

Police have arrested a man they suspect of committing a fatal bashing in south Auckland.

Patrick Young, 42, disappeared after his stepmother, Arunee Jenkanying, 57 and her brother, Aran Jenkanying, 57, were bashed at an Otara house. Ms Jenkanying was badly hurt but survived. Aran Jenkanying died a few days later when his life support system was turned off.

Young was their main suspect and urged him to turn himself in.

Hours after revealing that a woman, Ana Runanga Edmonds, from Northland, might be helping him evade police, police announced they had apprehended the pair.

They were found in the south Auckland suburb of Manurewa and will appear in the Manukau District Court tomorrow. Young is charged with murder and a serious assault on the second victim.

Edmonds is charged with being an accessory after the fact to the murder.

Earlier today Detective Senior Sergeant Dave Glossop of Counties Manukau police said detectives had been searching addresses in Northland, but said the couple could be anywhere in the North Island.

"As a result of enquiries at these addresses, police are convinced Ana Edmonds is actively assisting Patrick Young evade police. Charges may also be laid against other family members," said Mr Glossop.

- NZ Herald staff, NZPA