[ad_1]
Almost four months after the murder of baby Sofia Taueki-Jackson at her Auckland home, some nearby whānau still refuse to help investigators, police say.
No arrests have been made in the homicide investigation and Detective Inspector Tofilau Fa’amanuia Va’aelua of Manukau Counties said anyone who cares about the 14-month-old should speak up now.
His appeal comes as police reveal new information about the baby’s death at his mother Phyllis Taueki’s state home on Flat Bush Rd, Clover Park, late on Saturday, May 23.
Stuff
An officer stands guard outside the Clover Park home where Sofia Taueki-Jackson died in May.
Va’aelua said the investigation established that Sofia died from what a neuropathologist professor described as a “catastrophic head injury.”
READ MORE:
* Auckland baby homicide: no arrest, police describe ‘difficulties’ with family
* Auckland baby homicide: Whānau speaks up but no arrest three weeks later
* Auckland baby homicide: plea to speak up ‘for Sofia’s sake’
His injuries were deliberately inflicted and caused his death, he said.
Investigators had spoken with some of Sofia’s extended whānau, who supported the police finding about who killed Sofia.
But others, who were in the house when the baby suffered her fatal injuries, do not cooperate.
“Although several have spoken with the police, there are key members of the immediate whānau who were present but are refusing to assist in the investigation,” Va’aelua said.
The lead detective said that anyone who cares about Sofia should come forward.
“The police are appealing to those who really cared for Sofia to be her voice and speak up.
“We are simply looking for the truth for Sofia. Tell us what you know, no matter how insignificant it may seem. “
Stuff
Phyllis Taueki at her home on Flat Bush Rd on Wednesday, nearly four months after the death of her youngest daughter, Sofia Taueki-Jackson, in an alleged homicide.
He thanked the members of the whānau who had decided to help in the investigation and seek justice for Sofia.
Investigators would not cease until the person or persons responsible for Sofia’s murder were held accountable, he said.
Police said anyone with information could contact the Operation Asbury investigation team by calling 09 2611 321.
Taueki-Jackson was the second child of Owen Jackson and Phyllis Taueki, who have four surviving children.
Oranga Tamariki previously confirmed that he was assisting police with the investigation, but declined to comment further.
Jackson and Taueki weren’t together as a couple when their baby died.
Do you know more? Email [email protected]
The baby’s tangi took place on the Friday after his death and Taueki’s house was reoccupied the next day.
A woman on the property reacted angrily when approached for comment Stuff.
Neighbors said Taueki has only lived in the house for a few months.
Stuff
Two unidentified people at a meeting in the backyard of the house on Flat Bush Rd, a week after the one-year murder of Sofia Taueki-Jackson.
He has recent ties to a property on the North Shore, where Jackson works as a scaffold.
One resident said that after she and an unknown number of people moved in, he complained of the smell emanating from two shallow graves where the dogs were buried in the backyard.
Jackson described his children as his pride and joy and “my everything” on Facebook.
David White / Stuff
Detective Inspector Tofilau Fa’amanuia Va’aelua is asking anyone who cares about baby Sofia to come forward and speak to investigators.
Stuff has been unable to reach him for comment, while Taueki’s whānau has not responded to requests for comment.
Residents on the street previously recounted the frenzied scenes Saturday night when people inside the home called for a police officer, who tried in vain to revive the girl.
Albert Vahaakolo said he saw three people in distress outside Kāinga Ora’s property that night.
Police were already nearby dealing with another incident and one of the people was heard yelling “hey hey we need help,” Vahaakolo said.
An officer ran up and could be seen performing CPR in the driveway, neighbors said.
