Pair deny murder and manslaughter after death of toddler in Weymouth, Auckland
Tuesday, 16 November 2021
Two people charged following the death of two year-old Arapera Fia in south Auckland have pleaded not guilty.
A 21-year-old man has been charged with murder while a 21-year-old woman faces a charge of manslaughter after Arapera died at Starship Children's Hospital on November 1.
The accused were set to appear at the Manukau District Court on Tuesday, however their attendance was excused due to a Covid-19 risk, Judge Ajit Swaran Singh said.
Arapera was taken to hospital on October 31 after being found with critical injuries at a rental property on Gibbons Rd in Weymouth, south Auckland.
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At the court hearing, Lance Cordwell acting on behalf of the man entered a not guilty plea and asked for interim name suppression, given family members had not been informed.
The woman's lawyer, Panama Le'au'anae also entered a not guilty plea and applied for interim name suppression saying family members would be 'traumatised' to find out through the media.
Judge Singh remanded the pair in custody, granting interim name suppression until an appearance at the High Court at Auckland in December.
On Tuesday, Detective Inspector Warwick Adkin said police aren’t looking for anybody else in connection to the incident.
“Investigations involving the suspicious deaths of children have a profound effect on the whānau and our wider community,” Adkin said.
“Often these investigations can be impeded by members of the whānau failing to come forward with information or cooperating with police. I want to acknowledge Arapera’s whānau who have cooperated and assisted police throughout this investigation.”
Adkin also thanked those others in the community who came forward with information.
“We all have a responsibility to protect our most vulnerable to prevent these tragedies,” Adkin said.
In a statement released by police on November 7, Arapera’s father said he was “devastated” to learn of her death, as he does not live at the same address as his daughter.
Arapera’s maternal grandmother, on behalf of the family, said they wanted answers on what happened.
“We are in as much shock as the rest of Aotearoa.”
The family asked for privacy for the whānau to “mourn our precious baby”.