Police believe this 1989 Mitsubishi Galant played a part in the drive-by shooting that killed little Jhia Te Tua
WANGANUI - Police are hunting two more men in relation to the murder of a 2-year-old Wanganui girl.
A 31-year-old and an 18-year-old appeared in the Wanganui District Court yesterday, charged with unlawful assembly in the time leading up to the shooting of Jhia Harmony Te Tua.
The
girl was killed by a single gunshot wound to the chest, an autopsy has revealed.
She will be farewelled at a funeral in Levin today after her death in a drive-by shooting in which Mongrel mob members shot at a Puriri St house with a high-powered rifle.
The 18-year-old who appeared in court yesterday faces charges of assault, involvement in a riot in Puriri St, possession of an offensive weapon (a bottle), unlawful assembly and unlawfully entering a building.
The 31-year-old is accused of unlawful assembly. Both were granted name suppression and remanded in custody until May 15.
The 36-strong police team said they were looking for two more men who they believed were keeping a low profile.
"I am confident as the officer in charge of the investigation that further arrests will be made as sufficient evidence is gathered," said Detective Senior Sergeant Chris Bensemann.
Police highlighted five key incidents related to the inquiry, dubbed Operation 55 (see panel above).
They have also seized a 1989 dark grey Mitsubishi Galant, registration XI7794, which they believe was involved in the shooting.
Jhia's funeral will be held at Tukorohe Marae in Levin at 11am today. After cremation, the toddler's ashes will be brought back to Wanganui.
Black Power members have been told that no gang patches, alcohol or drugs are permitted within the marae.
Police will be at the funeral amid fears of further gang tension as a result of her tragic death.
Countdown to death
* Disorder in the vicinity of Lundon Park about 2.30pm on Saturday after a game of rugby league.
* Disorder in Puriri St between 7pm and 7.30pm on Saturday.
* An incident about 8pm at an address in Akatea St, where it is alleged that two men, who appeared in Wanganui District Court yesterday, and two others broke into a house and assaulted a young man.
* A further incident in Puriri St about 9pm.
* Fatal shots fired in Puriri St about 10pm.
