Christmas will be one of sadness for the whānau of two Hawke's Bay homicide victims who have come together with the police to urge those with information to come forward.
Ariki Rigby was found dead in a burnt-out car on River Rd in Havelock North on September 5.
A few years ago, in 2018, Eddie Peters was found bleeding on the driveway of a family member's whare in Flaxmere. He'd been violently beaten and died eight days later in Wellington Hospital.
Det Snr Sgt James Keene said while investigation teams are making good progress on both cases, he knows there are people still out there who have information they are choosing not to share.
Keene said while the two deaths aren't linked, it's believed potential gang affiliations of those thought to be responsible are getting in the way of possible witnesses from speaking with police.
"The fact that nobody has been held accountable for either death weighs heavily on the families of both Eddie and Ariki, and on the officers on both investigation teams.
"We know there are people in our community who know what happened to Eddie and Ariki and who was responsible."
Keene added he understands a reason people may not be coming forward is because of the belief "narking is not the 'done' thing".
"My plea is that people set aside that belief and focus on what the right thing to do is. We have two grieving whānau who need and deserve to see justice for the deaths of their loved ones. "Please put yourselves in their shoes and tell police what you know, so that the people responsible can be held accountable."
Statement from Peters' whānau:
"It is now more than four years since we lost Eddie. This is our fourth Christmas without him and we are still grieving," the family said.
"Eddie was a much-loved father and friend and we still miss him greatly. Nobody should have to lose their life in the way Eddie did.
"So no matter how hard it is for you, no matter who you’re trying to protect, we're begging you to please do the right thing - get in touch with police and share what you know. Help us see justice done for Eddie and get the closure we need."
Statement from Rigby's whānau:
"Our whānau’s grief at the loss of Ariki is profound and still very raw.
"Ariki was only 18 years old. She had her whole life ahead of her and she should be busy living that life right now.
"Instead, we are preparing for our first Christmas without her. Her death leaves a huge hole in our whānau, which is only made worse by the fact nobody has been held accountable for her death.
"To those people who know what happened to Ariki - man up. Think how you would feel if she was your daughter, sister or moko.
"Tell [the] police what you know," the statement said.
Keene urged those ready to speak with police and help bring the "killers of Eddie and Ariki to justice".
Those with information can contact the police on 105 and quote the file number related to each case.
Eddie Peters: 181116/4372
Ariki Rigby: 220905/1265.
