Lead detective always quietly confident

John Tims

Right from the start, inquiry head John Tims was confident he would make an arrest over the death of babies Chris and Cru Kahui.

During the 19 weeks it took the detective senior sergeant to make an arrest he made passionate pleas for the truth, criticised the twins' family for stonewalling the inquiry and repeatedly asked the public for patience.

Sometimes, he simply kept silent - refusing to comment on the case or its progress.

On Thursday night, he stood outside Counties Manukau police headquarters and delivered the news the public had wanted to hear since June.

"As the spokesman for the twins, Chris and Cru Kahui, I am pleased to announce that the jigsaw is finally complete with the arrest of a 21-year-old male," Mr Tims said.

He then thanked the public and the media for their patience, despite the fact he and his team had been under intense scrutiny for the previous four months and faced much criticism for the time it took them and their method of approach.

When the press conference was finished Mr Tims seemed quietly relieved it was all over - not just because the public was appeased with a much-sought-after arrest but because he had done something for the dead twins.

"This case is not about me. It's not about the investigating team.

"It's about Cru and Chris Kahui, the two twins who have been murdered."

Mr Tims joined the police 23 years ago and has spent most of the time since in the criminal investigation bureau and working in Auckland.

He started out as a constable in Mangere before moving up the ranks in South Auckland, Auckland City and then a brief stint in Tauranga.

He was second in charge when Pizza Hutt worker Michael Choy was murdered in South Auckland.

He was also involved in Operation Park, which led to the arrest of the country's worst serial rapist, Joseph Thompson.

Two years ago he became head of the Counties Manukau child abuse team and from there was thrust into the spotlight when Chris and Cru died from serious head injuries.

Although he has investigated and solved hundreds of crimes, it is this case that the public will probably remember Mr Tims for now - not that he seems to be the kind of person who is worried about that kind of thing.

In the meantime Mr Tims, a father of two, will go on quietly investigating crimes against children and preparing the case against the twins' father, Chris Kahui, for trial.