Homicide probe launched into toddler's death

Police have launched a homicide investigation into the death of a two year-old.

The Wanganui toddler, Karl Perigo-Check, was taken to hospital on October 24 where he died.

Detective Inspector Chris Bensemann said a post-mortem examination showed that the boy died of internal injuries.

"Since Karl's death we have been working closely with medical professionals and making extensive enquiries to obtain a greater understanding of how he might have come by his injuries. As a result of that work we have reached the point where we are satisfied that the injuries could not have been caused accidentally," Mr Bensemann said.

He said no one has been arrested and a team of 17 detectives are working on the case.

On Monday Mr Bensemann said police were interviewing family members who were cooperating with police.

Karl was the son of jailed Wanganui gang member Karl Check.

The dead boy's father is serving life with a non-parole period of 15 years for the 2007 murder of two-year-old Jhia Te Tua during an altercation between the Mongrel Mob and Black Power gangs.

The boy's tangi was held at Ranana Marae, north of Wanganui, last Friday.

- NZHERALD STAFF