30 Jan 2009

Hit-and-run teen died from head injuries, say police

6:59 am on 30 January 2009

Initial post-mortem results on a teenager killed by a hit-and-run in the Bay of Plenty show he died from head injuries.

Jordan Herewini, 16, died in an ambulance while being taken to Rotorua Hospital on Tuesday after a vehicle stolen from his property in Murupara was used to run him down.

Police say the victim and a relative were involved in a brawl outside the town's shops before they left for a nearby house.

Detective Sergeant John Wilson says up to eight men armed with tomahawks and sticks then arrived at the Matai Street property in a van and attacked the four people in the house.

Mr Wilson says Jason Herewini fled outside before one of the attackers stole a Toyota Hilux ute from the property and ran him down, ploughing through two fences in the process.

Police say it appears the attack was gang-related.

A Toyota ute recovered on Wednesday is being forensically tested. An examination of the Matai Street property will continue on Friday.

Police say they have a long list of people they want to talk to and this is likely to continue well into next week.

They would like to hear from anyone who saw the incident leading to the teen's death who have not yet been spoken to, and any information on the driver.

Police say it is likely that those responsible for the attack are not from the Murupara area.

About 25 detectives are working on the case and police say they are confident of making arrests.