Fifth teenager arrested in relation to Flaxmere homicide

Detective Senior Sergeant Martin James has announced a fifth arrest in relation to the death of Kelly Alex Donner, whose memorial is near the location where he died. Photo / File

A fifth teenager is before the courts after being arrested and charged in relation to the death of former Opotiki man Kelly Alex Donner, who died outside a Flaxmere pub last month.

The 40-year-old was found in the Flax Bar and Eatery carpark on Swansea Rd on March 4, prompting a homicide investigation in which police appealed to the local community for information about the death.

On March 16 four youths aged between 14 and 16 were arrested and charged with wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm. Police said at the time they were seeking a fifth youth in relation to the matter.

On Saturday, arrested a 14-year-old male was arrested and charged with wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.

He appeared in the Hastings Youth Court at the weekend and will likely join the four other youths, who cannot be named, at their next appearance date, scheduled for April 19.

Detective Senior Sergeant Marty James said police were continuing to investigate and further charges were likely.

"We would like to thank the members of the public who have already come forward with information to assist our investigation."

Before any arrests were made, a senior officer in the investigation said fear might have been keeping some people from revealing what they knew of Mr Donner's violent death.

"We believe we are on the right track, but we believe there are people who, if they didn't witness then still know what happened, are too afraid to come in," Eastern District crime manager Detective Inspector Mike Foster said.

James earlier expressed disappointment the investigation had been hampered by members of the community who condoned such behaviour.

He urged people who knew, or saw what happened that night, to confide in either police, a trusted support person or community leader.

"We need them to do the right thing. Do the right thing for the sake of Kelly and the community."

Donner, a known rough-sleeper in Flaxmere, was buried in his hometown Opotiki in early March.

About 200 people gathered at the place where he was found shortly after his death for a blessing ceremony and a community memorial site has since been established.

Mr James said any threats or intimidating behaviour towards witnesses would not be tolerated and police would ensure such complaints were investigated.

&fubull; Anyone who would like to contact police about the case can call a dedicated inquiry line on 06 873 056‬1 or provide details anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.