Police Charge Two People in Connection With Baby Ru Homicide Investigation

Police have arrested two people in connection with the homicide investigation into the death of Nga Reo Te Huatahi Reremoana Ahipene-Wall, the toddler widely known as Baby Ru, who died in 2023.

A 33-year-old man and a 28-year-old woman now face charges of perverting the course of justice by allegedly removing and discarding a CCTV system from the Taitā home where the child lived.

The arrests mark a significant development in Operation Huia, the ongoing police effort to determine who caused the blunt-force trauma that resulted in the two-year-old's death at Hutt Hospital.

Ngatanahira Reremoana, a spokesperson for the boy's family, said the relatives were "overwhelmed with emotions" upon hearing the news of the initial arrest on Monday.

"We are happy now we have at least one arrest and they are still working on their case," Reremoana said.

The 33-year-old man appeared in the Hutt Valley District Court on Tuesday, where he was remanded in custody after a judge denied his application for bail.

The defendant was granted interim name suppression until his next scheduled court appearance on November 26, according to the ODT.

The 28-year-old woman is expected to appear in court on Thursday to face her charges, 1News reported.

Detective Inspector Nick Pritchard said the police remained committed to the investigation and indicated that further charges against others could be forthcoming.

"We have never stopped working to determine what happened here and get justice for Ru and his whanau," said Detective Inspector Nick Pritchard.

"Baby Ru’s death was a senseless tragedy, and it is a relief to have made progress in this case," Pritchard said.

Three adults who were present at the Poole St property on October 22, 2023, remain persons of interest in the case, though police have not yet filed homicide charges against them.

Investigators are continuing to review forensic evidence and consult with the Crown solicitor to assess the criminal liability of those involved in the events leading to the child's death.