Daughters pay tribute to bashing victim

The daughters of Aran Jenkanying carry a photograph of him following his funeral in Auckland. Mr Jenkanying was bashed to death in Otara last week and a manhunt continues for homicide suspect Patrick Young. Photo / Richard Robinson.

The daughters of a man who died after a savage beating in South Auckland wept as they paid tribute to their father at a traditional Thai funeral yesterday.

Aran Jenkanying, 56, died last week after he was attacked, allegedly by his sister Arunee's stepson Patrick Young.

Ms Jenkanying is still in hospital with serious injuries and underwent further surgery on Wednesday.

Young, 42, has been on the run since the beating, described by police as "ferocious and persistent".

Mr Jenkanying's funeral in West Auckland was presided over by seven Buddhist monks.

His sister was not able to attend the funeral because of her injuries. It is understood she was highly distraught when told she could not leave her hospital bed to farewell her brother.

Most of Mr Jenkanying's funeral service was conducted in Thai. He lay in an open coffin dressed all in white. The monks sat alongside him and led mourners in prayer.

A Thai celebrant said Mr Jenkanying was a loved husband, father and friend and his death was a sad occasion. She said the long-time member of the Auckland Thai community would be missed by everyone.

Mr Jenkanying's two daughters held each other as they spoke about their father. They sobbed, taking turns reading their eulogy before thanking the police and Victim Support.

One of the senior monks reminded mourners about karma and the consequences of their actions, and urged them to find happiness and goodness in their lives.

Flowers were laid in Mr Jenkanying's casket before it was carried to the crematorium, led bythe monks. His daughters carried a framed photograph of him.

Young allegedly attacked Mr Jenkanying and his sister after they came across him at an Otara property.

Ms Jenkanying co-owned the Bolton Place property with Young's father, Francis, her husband, who is understood to have died last year. It has been vacant since.

Neighbours told the Herald Ms Jenkanying wanted to sell the property, but Francis Young's children from his first marriage opposed the idea.

One neighbour who saw the attack was too scared to go outside.

"The lady was lying on the driveway.

The guy was hitting her. He was swearing at her and screaming at her. He was yelling, 'Go away and never come back.' He was angry. He kept hitting her, kicking her."

Detective Senior Sergeant David Glossop said Young should not be approached. Anyone harbouring him would face "severe" consequences.

Anyone with information about Young is urged to contact Otara police on (09) 272-0926 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800-555-111.