Christchurch case mirrors Kahui silence

Christchurch police are frustrated by the lack of co-operation from some family members of a baby who died in February.

In a case that mirrors the deaths of 3-month-old Auckland twins Chris and Cru Kahui in June, Staranise Orangati Hinerangi Waru was 7 months old when she was admitted to Christchurch Hospital with life-threatening injuries.

Detective Sergeant Mike Johnson said last night that Staranise died soon after being taken off life support two days later.

"The baby had been in the care of her parents the morning the injuries were sustained," he said. "An ambulance was called at 8.47 that morning and Staranise was rushed to hospital."

He said police were seeking information from family and associates which would help identify the offender, but some family members were holding up the investigation.

There was initial co-operation. However, when issues needed clarification, the family became unco-operative, he said.

He appealed to anyone who had information to come forward as someone had crucial information that could be the key to unlocking the case.

"There is information out there," he said.

Mr Johnson said a post-mortem examination revealed the baby died as a result of having been violently shaken. Police launched a homicide inquiry.

"Christchurch police have travelled to the North Island and Australia questioning witnesses in an attempt to identify the person responsible for her death," Mr Johnson said. "Police are seeking information from family and associates which will assist with the identification of the offender."

The Kahui twins died five days after being taken to Middlemore Hospital with head injuries.

- NZPA