Three arrested over teen's killing

Three people have been arrested by police investigating the homicide of teenager Kaine Lewis whose body was found after a gang confrontation in Murupara, southeast of Rotorua at the weekend.

They had been charged with participating in a criminal enterprise and were not directly involved in the killing, Inspector Greg Sparrow from Rotorua police said.

They would appear in court later today.

Mr Sparrow said a post mortem had confirmed the teenager, who came from nearby Kaingaroa, died of head injuries but would not say how he received the injuries or whether a weapon had been recovered.

He said Kaine Lewis he was known to police "in a minor capacity' but would not say if he was a gang prospect or member.

He said there the teenager was found in a house driveway about 1.50am on Saturday.

He was taken to Rotorua Hospital but was pronounced dead on arrival.

Mr Sparrow said there was no doubt Kaine Lewis was murdered and appealed for public help to catch the killer or killers.

"This is going to be solved with help from members of the public. People saw things I am sure and we really need them to come forward and tell us," he said.

The victim's body was released to his family yesterday.

He was understood to have been staying with relatives in Murupara.

- NZPA