KEY POINTS:
The body of a South Auckland boy who was beaten to death in his home will be returned to his grieving family today.
John Xavier Andrew Hapeta, who was also known to some relatives as John Pokaihau-Rogers, died from blunt force trauma to the back of his head
on Tuesday night.
It is believed the 14-year-old was beaten with a hammer or gun by two masked men who stormed his Weymouth home while he was celebrating a birthday with two friends.
Police were last night still hunting for the killers but moved to reassure the community that the attack was not random.
Detective Inspector John Tims said a team of more than 30 officers, including forensic scientists, was working on the case.
A scene examination of the Justamere Place home was expected to be completed today, at which point it would be released back to the family.
Mr Tims said the investigation had been "positive and very productive" during the past two days. It had also generated a good level of response from the public.
Yesterday a text line, 3161, was established in the hope more information would flow in from young people in the community.
"Police decided to use this method of communication as the generation that is targeted use this as a main form of contact. Information around the investigation is vital and this is another way to relay information."
Mr Tims said police were still profiling John and looking into his family's background in the hope of finding a motive for the killing.
John's grandmother Queenie Pokaihau-Rogers told the Herald her grandson was a good boy. She was not aware of anything that he had done that could have led to his murder.
Mrs Pokaihau-Rogers said she believed her grandson's body would be taken up north to be buried with his grandfather once it was released to family.
Rosehill College, where John had attended school this year, yesterday offered its condolences to his family.
"Our heartfelt sympathy goes to his parents and whanau. His unexpected death is tragic and an awful thing for a family to have to go through," said acting principal Dave Ormandy.
"The college is in close contact with the family, and we are respecting the family's request for privacy at thisdifficult time."
Mr Ormandy said the school was monitoring student wellbeing and providing any support that was required.
WANTED
OFFENDER ONE
* Male Maori, taller than 1.83cm
* Black hoodie, black jeans
* Handgun
OFFENDER TWO
* Maori, 18-20 years old, approx 1.8m tall, stocky build, medium-shaped face
* Black hoodie, black pants, black Chucks
* Hammer
*Anyone with information is asked to call 0800 587 826 or text 3161
