Man found guilty of murdering boy at birthday party

A 25-year-old man has been found guilty of the murder of a 14-year-old from South Auckland.

Nathan Tuiti Reo Mutunga Williams was found guilty of murdering John Hapeta and a majority verdict of 11-1 was reached for Daniel Bobby Tumata, 25, who was found not guilty of murder but guilty of manslaughter.

Williams was also found guilty of assault with intent to rob, and a 17-year-old male who has name suppression was found not guilty of the same charge.

Tumata changed his plea to guilty last Tuesday on the assault with intent to rob charge, and will be sentenced with Williams on both charges on February 26. Williams and Tumata were remanded in custody.

Justice John Priestley told the jury in the High Court at Auckland yesterday that it had been a difficult trial into the "pointless death of a 14-year-old".

He said the jury had heard a lot of disturbing evidence about youths smoking cannabis and keeping firearms.

"The events on August 12 were a tragedy and totally unnecessary.

"I've been very impressed by the way you've carried out your deliberations, and the careful and conscientious way you've carried out your judgment," Justice Priestley said.

The jurors deliberated for just over four hours before reaching their verdicts.

The Crown said John Hapeta died after two men armed with a gun and a hammer arrived at a birthday party at the family home in Weymouth, Manukau City.

Dressed in black with bandannas covering their faces, they grabbed him and demanded drugs.

When he said he didn't have any, he was hit on the back of the head with a hammer.

The Crown alleged he was killed because he failed to make payments on an airgun he bought from another boy, who wanted to be paid in cannabis. Williams struck the fatal blow but Tumata was also liable for murder by actively assisting him, the Crown said.

John Hapeta's parents were not in court for the verdicts.

- NZPA