Tikipunga homicide investigation: Police release CCTV images of cyclist in area of fatal fire

Police have released CCTV images of a person riding a bike in the area of the fatal fire on April 29. Photo / NZ Police

• Police released new CCTV images of a person who may assist in a Northland homicide investigation.
• Hoani Reupena-Tuoro, also known as John Reuben, died on April 29 after a car fire spread to a house.
• Detective Senior Sergeant John Clayton urged anyone with information to contact police.

Police investigating the death of a man in a suspicious fire in Northland have released new CCTV images of a person they believe can help with inquiries.

Hoani Reupena-Tuoro, 61, also known as John Reuben, died on April 29 after a car fire spread to a house on Thomas St in Whangārei’s Tikipunga shortly after 3am.

Police launched a homicide investigation on May 9 after ruling the fire was arson. One person spotted in CCTV footage was quickly eliminated from the investigation.

Fresh CCTV images were released today however, of a person police wish to speak to.

“Police have obtained CCTV footage of a person riding a bicycle in the Thomas St area at the time of the fire,” Detective Senior Sergeant John Clayton said.

Anyone who saw, or recognises, this person is asked to contact police. Photo / NZ Police

“We believe this person may be able to assist us with our inquires.”

Clayton asked anyone who saw this person on the bicycle on the night of April 29, or who recognises them, to contact police.

“We would also like to hear from anyone who might know who owns the bicycle,” Clayton said.

Fire and police investigators examine the house on Thomas St, Tikipunga, after Hoani Reupena-Tuoro died after the suspicious blaze. Photo / Michael Cunningham

“Mr Reuben’s death was a tragedy, and we are treating it as a homicide.”

Anyone with information is asked to call police on 105 or online at police.govt.nz/use-105 using “Update Report” and referencing the file number 240429/4766.

Information can also be provided anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.