Police have released the details of a father and son killed in a “deliberately lit” house fire in Auckland’s Bucklands Beach earlier this month as a double homicide investigation continues.
Detective Inspector Tofilau Va’aelua confirmed the victims were 36-year-old Jung Sup Lee and his 11-year-old son Ha-il Lee.
“Our thoughts and sympathies remain with the family at this difficult time,” he said.
The fire broke out at a Murvale Drive property around 2.30am on October 2, prompting a major emergency response.
Five people were inside the two-storey home at the time. Three survived, including the mother and another child, who were hospitalised but have since been discharged. A fifth occupant, a boarder living downstairs, also escaped unharmed.
Emergency services were called to the Bucklands Beach property at around 2.30am. (Source: 1News)
The fire destroyed the top floor of the home, with neighbours describing thick smoke, towering flames, and small explosions as the blaze rapidly engulfed the property.
Police believed the fire was “deliberately lit” and confirmed finding the presence of an accelerant at the scene.
Va’aelua today appealed for CCTV footage from a large area of east Auckland to help the inquiry.
Investigators wanted CCTV, dash cam, or GoPro footage from residents in Bucklands Beach, Howick, Sunnyhills, Mellons Bay, Botany Downs, and Highland Park between 10pm on Wednesday, October 1 and 5am on Thursday, October 2.
“We want to reiterate that no detail is too small, or irrelevant,” Va’aelua said.
Anyone with relevant information should contact police on 105 or upload footage here.