Bucklands Beach fire deaths: 38-year-old charged with murdering father and son

Police have charged a man today with two counts of murder after a fatal house fire in Bucklands Beach.

Jung Sup Lee, 36, a father of two, and his son Ha-il Lee, 11, both died as a result of the fire.

Police confirmed earlier that a family home on Murvale Drive in the East Auckland suburb was deliberately lit with an accelerant on October 2.

A 38-year-old male is due to appear in the Manukau District Court today.

Detective Inspector Tofilau Faamanuia Va’aelua said information provided by the public and by CCTV aided in the arrest.

“We acknowledge and appreciate the assistance provided by those members of the public whose information was vital to this investigation.

“At this stage, our inquiries remain ongoing and further charges cannot be ruled out.”

The investigation would continue, to determine whether anyone else was involved or had knowledge of the fire.

Va’aelua said police remained in contact with the family of the dead pair.

“As part of this, we are ensuring that they have support in place.”

‘Delightful’ 11-year-old killed in fire

Ha-il Lee was remembered as a “delightful” pupil at Bucklands Beach Intermediate, and was called a credit to his family by principal Will Roper.

“Our thoughts and heartfelt sympathies are with their family, friends and all those affected at this very difficult time.”

Ha-il’s older brother and mother escaped the fire and did not suffer any injuries.

A fifth person, who was a boarder at the house, also escaped injury.

Firefighters extinguishing the fire in Murvale Drive, Bucklands Beach, earlier this month. Photo / NZME

The property was severely damaged. Windows were shattered, and debris was strewn about the blackened house.

Crews in boiler suits searched the home within a cordon that remained in place for several days. Emergency services covered a badly charred upstairs room with a blue tarpaulin, leaving one upstairs room visible.

Neighbours recounted waking to the roar of fire and “mini explosions” as flames tore through the home.

Thick plumes of smoke and large orange flames could be seen as firefighters battled the fire for several hours.

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