Tinnie-house killers jailed

Two men sentenced to life imprisonment for their parts in the murder of Michael Heremaia, 15, at a King Cobra gang tinnie house in Mangere in 2003 will serve at least 15 and 17 years.

In the High Court at Auckland yesterday, Justice Mark Cooper said James Michael Leuluaiali'i, of Orakei, should serve a minimum of 17 years and Ofisa Andrew Kopelani, of Mangere, 15 years.

Justice Cooper said Kopelani was not as culpable as Leuluaiali'i or Benjamin Red Tumahai, who had earlier pleaded guilty to the murder. Michael Heremaia was stabbed or cut 37 times over what the Crown said was an internal King Cobra dispute over the running of the drug house where he worked.

Tumahai, serving a 14-year minimum term, had the benefit of a three-year reduction as a result of his guilty plea, said Justice Cooper.

Leuluaiali'i was also sentenced to seven years and Kopelani five years after having been found guilty of the attempted murder of Michael Afeaki on the same date and at the same address. The sentences are concurrent.