Police are investigating a suspected arson at a house in Woodville where 49-year-old James Whatuira's body was found in early January. Manawatu CIB is currently investigating a suspected arson that occurred at a residential address in Ormond Street, Woodville, at approximately 1am today. Police and a fire investigator are currently examining theproperty which has been extensively damaged. The address became the scene of a homicide inquiry on 4 January, 2015 after Mr Whatuira, was found dead at the address. Detective Sergeant Johnny Oram of the Manawatu CIB says: "Whilst a link between Mr Whatuira's death and the suspected arson is not established at this time, Police consider this to be a strong possibility." "We want to speak to anyone that has any information about this suspected arson, including reports of any suspicious behaviour witnessed in the area during the early hours of this morning." Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Detective Sergeant Oram on (06) 213 9613. Meanwhile a fifth man has been arrested and charged in relation to the fatal shooting of Mr Whatuira. A 32-year-old Woodville man was charged with being party to a murder and appeared in Palmerston North District Court yesterday. He was granted interim name suppression and was remanded in custody until the case is called again at the High Court in Palmerston North on March 16. A day earlier a 41-year-old vineyard worker appeared in Christchurch District Court charged with murdering the 49-year-old Pahiatua man. He was also granted interim name suppression and remanded in custody. Mr Whatuira, known affectionately as 'Poto', was killed by a single gunshot wound. Three Dannevirke men, aged 29, 35 and 45, have also been charged with being party to a murder and appeared in Palmerston North District Court on Thursday. All three were given interim name suppression and remanded in custody until the March court date. Police established that Mr Whatuira did not live at the Ormond St property, while a 20-strong team of officers worked on the investigation and searched for the gun used in the shooting. The house was also the scene of an incident on October 23 last year, where a man was stabbed in the abdomen and face, while another man suffered knife wounds to his hand.
