26 Nov 2019

Five men charged with kidnapping and murder of gang member

5:47 pm on 26 November 2019

Police have arrested five men in relation to the death of Codi Wilkinson.

Palmerston North District Court.

Photo: RNZ/Ana Tovey

Mr Wilkinson, who was a Mongrel Mob member, was found dead at a house in Bunnythorpe on 27 September.

All of the men are from Palmerston North. Two are aged 43, the other three are 30, 32 and 49.

They jointly face charges of murder and kidnapping, as well as participating in an organised criminal group.

They have also been charged with intent to cause grievous bodily harm in relation to a second victim.

The men are due to appear in the Palmerston North District Court tomorrow.

"Police have worked hard to bring these men before the courts, and we would again like to reassure the community there has been, and continues to be, no risk to the public in relation to this investigation," Detective Senior Sergeant Craig Sheridan said.

In a statement shared via police, the victim's whānau said: "We would like to thank the police for their investigation to date. We are happy that the prosecution has started, and we will follow the process closely."