Knifed teen had been to training

Scientists look for clues about the stabbing. Picture / Kenny Rodger

The family of a Manurewa teen who was stabbed to death at the weekend believe the 18-year-old was on his way home from boxing training when he died.

Kelly Lawrence died almost instantly after being stabbed in the chest while with a group of youths on Mahia Rd, Manurewa, on Saturday night.

Jio-Pene Sauaki, 19, was charged on Sunday with his murder and has been remanded in custody.

An aunt of Mr Lawrence said at Taniwha Marae in Te Kauwhata, where Mr Lawrence is lying in state, that the family were trying to come to grips with what had happened.

"He was a lovely boy, a very good boy who had a lot going for him."

She said Mr Lawrence usually attended a church-run boxing class on Saturday nights.

Many of the youths gathered on Mahia Rd on Saturday night had come from a nearby party.

It is believed Mr Lawrence spoke to Sauaki just before being stabbed.

Friends chased Sauaki to a nearby home where concerned residents called the police.

Mr Lawrence's aunt said tangi arrangements were still being finalised.

"He was a beautiful boy with a big heart," she said.