Flaxmere homicide: Police arrest and charge 22-year-old in relation to the death of Darcy Strickland

Darcy Strickland, 29, died last week in Flaxmere, Hastings. Photo / Supplied

A man has been arrested and police are seeking a second person in relation to the death of Darcy Strickland last week in Flaxmere.

Hawke's Bay Detective Senior Sergeant Sally Patrick said this morning that police had charged a 22-year-old man with wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, and more charges were likely.

The man appeared in Hastings District Court and was remanded without plea in custody to reappear on November 8.

Patrick also said police were looking for another man in relation to the 29-year-old's death and events in Ramsey Cres, Flaxmere, late last Thursday night.

Police were also awaiting results from the post-mortem examination, and Patrick said.

Patrick said the attack on Strickland was brutal and callous.

"I would like to thank the members of the community who have come forward to assist police with this investigation and continue to urge those who have information to contact police."

Police at the Ramsey Cres scene in Flaxmere last Thursday. Photo / Warren Buckland

Information can be given by calling 105 and quoting file number 221014/5396.

Information can also be shared anonymously through Crime Stoppers on 0800 555
111.

Police were called to Ramsey Cres about 11.45pm on Thursday last week after two people were found injured outside an address.

One person died at the and the other was taken to hospital with serious injuries.

Strickland's whānau told the Herald they were stunned by the "cowardly" attack on their "gentle giant".

Relatives said he was "a good man" and "this hurts".

"We are all going to miss him."

Ramsey Cres, Flaxmere. One person died at the scene, while another was transported to hospital with serious injuries. Photo / NZME

Luanna Solomon said her nephew was a soft-hearted person who had the "most beautiful cheeky smile".

"Every day I would get his loving arms wrapped around me (yes, he had extra long arms) and with his soft eyes 'mōrena aunty', kiss on the cheek and giggles.

"This one really, really hurts.

"He was a gentle giant, a cuddly teddy bear, an absolutely beautiful human being, a beloved son of God, loved moko, son, brother, nephew, and a friend.

"We love him and are gutted by this cowardly act."

His cousin Rangitiaho described him as "a superstar and champion to tamariki at kura".

"All he had to do was dunk the hoop and he was famous. But to some of them, he truly is their hero."

Jermaine Harris Strickland said his brother was a good man and they were all going to miss him.

"This hurts."