Police investigating the death of 15-year-old Kaea Karauria from Napier say rumours the whānau and victim have gang affiliations are “damaging and unhelpful”.
A homicide probe was launched early Sunday after Karauria was found critically injured at an Alexander Avenue address. The teenager died at the scene.
In an update this morning, Criminal Investigations Detective Inspector Martin James said the family have no gang connections at all, and said the rumours were “damaging and unhelpful to the investigation”.
“No arrests have been made at this stage,” he said.
“We are making good progress with plenty of information coming in, but we are still seeking further information about those involved on the night.”
Police urged the public to come forward with any information or footage of the incident, and have set up a phone line specifically for the incident on 0800 852 525.
Footage of the incident could be uploaded here, online, calling 105, or anonymously to Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.
