Raetihi death case waits for test results

Duncan Metekingi, Antony Herewini-Christiansen's great uncle, with a horse he says his great-nephew loved. Photo / Bevan Conley

Police continue to wait for final test results from a 9-year-old Raetihi boy who died suspiciously earlier this month.

Ruapehu Primary School pupil Antony Christensen was found dead in his bed by a family member just before 6am on the morning of December 7.

Preliminary results from testing showed prescription medicine in his system, police said.

His grand-uncle Garth Hiroti said his nephew was complaining of a sore stomach before he went to bed the night before.

A police spokeswoman today said they were still waiting for final test results to get a clearer picture on how Antony died.

Those results were not expected back for another week or two, she said.

In the meantime, police are investigating the circumstances around Antony's death.

Detective Senior Sergeant Keith Borrell earlier said they were interviewing the boy's family, who had been helpful.

"However, we still want to hear from anyone who may have some information on his last movements."

Anyone with information is asked to contact Ohakune Police on (06) 385 0100 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Police said 14 officers were working on the case.