Jhia Te Tua. Photo / Supplied
Wanganui Mayor Michael Laws says the murder of toddler Jhia Te Tua by three patched Mongrel Mob members has exposed the "true evil" of gangs.
The 2-year-old daughter of Black Power member Josh Te Tua died on May 5 last year after shots were fired at her parents'
home in the Wanganui suburb of Gonville during what the Crown said was a gang-related drive-by shooting.
A jury yesterday found Hayden John Wallace, 27, Karl Unuka Check, 26, and Ranji Tane Forbes, 21, guilty of her murder.
"These verdicts will allow our community to move on and they certainly reflect local opinion," Mr Laws said.
"Jhia's murder exposes the true evil of gangs.
"There was evidence given at the trial that the Mob members celebrated even after learning that they had shot an innocent child," he said.
"That is a measure of their inhumanity."
Mr Laws said his thoughts were with the child whose "innocence was snuffed out by an act of evil and infamy".
Jhia's mother sobbed "Yes" and wailed when the guilty verdicts were read out. And Jhia's father shouted at the men as they were led out of the court room.
Family members of the convicted men stayed quiet during the delivery of the verdict, with many crying quietly.
Speaking outside the High Court at Wellington shortly after the verdicts were delivered, police area commander Duncan MacLeod said the verdicts were not a reflection of a larger gang problem in Wanganui.
"[Gangs] are active not only around Wanganui but all over New Zealand," he said. "It's no different from any other provincial town."
Detective Senior Sergeant David Kirby, who worked on the case from the time of the toddler's death, said he was happy with the result.
"I'm really pleased, it's been a long and extended investigation.
"It's really good to get closure for the family," he said.
The three gang members have been remanded in custody and will be sentenced in February.
- NZPA
