Police have located a man they were seeking in relation to the death of Connor Whitehead.
Earlier today the father of 16-year-old Connor, who was shot dead in Christchurch last Friday night, spoke publicly for the first time.
Connor was attending a party in the suburb of Casebook and was standing outside with his friends when he was shot. He was given first aid but died at the scene.
At a media conference today Connor's dad James Whitehead spoke on behalf of Connor's mum Cheryl Mirren, and the wider family.
"We are shocked and heartbroken at the loss of Connor in such a senseless and violent manner.
"He was at a party with his friends. He should have been safe and he should be home with us," he said.
"Connor was loved by everyone," including his brother, William, and sisters Cordelia and Emma who attended the press briefing alongside their parents.
"We will always be so proud of him. He had an amazing group of friends ...it's a comfort to us that some of them were with him when he passed."
Connor loved music and with his friends he was making music and had put out a song, his father said.
"We are devastated we will not see him live his life and reach his potential."
He had plans to go to university and study law.
"He was so excited. He was so looking forward to that."
"Connor had dreams," his dad said. The pair were mates and Connor was looking forward to going to the movie Spiderman, and to Snoop Dogg next year.
He thanked everyone who has supported them, including the police and the emergency services.
"Right now our focus is on Connor as we plan his funeral and celebrate his precious life."
He appealed to the man police are looking for to do the right thing: "Hand yourself in."
He ended his statement by asking for privacy so that the family can continue to grieve.
Connor Whitehead was fatally shot at a Christchurch party. Photo: RNZ / Nathan McKinnon
This afternoon, following the media conference, police located the man they were seeking in relation to Connor's death.
Police say he was taken into custody at a residential address in Avonside at around 5.15pm.
Detective Senior Sergeant Reeves said at today's media conference police knew people were assisting this man.
Fifty officers have worked on the invesigation since Friday night, she said.
Today police recovered a firearm that they think is involved in Connor's death, however, police won't be disclosing where it was found.
The purpose of the media conference today was appeal to the man who has since been found, she said.
Anyone helping the man would be held accountable, Reeves said.
Photo: Give a Little
Four people are facing charges over the Burnside High School student's death while a fifth is being sought.
A 32-year-old man has been charged with murder and was due to appear in court today but remains in hospital recovering from injuries sustained during his arrest on Sunday evening.
His lawyer did not apply for bail, leaving Judge John Brandts-Giesen to remand him in custody.
He will appear in the High Court in Christchurch on 26 November alongside three other people charged in relation to the teenager's death.
A 46-year-old man and two women, aged 43 and 36, had their bail applications declined when they appeared in the Christchurch District Court yesterday.
They were granted interim name suppression and have been remanded in custody.
They are all charged with being an accessory after the fact to murder.
In a statement yesterday, Connor's family said they were devastated by his death and still trying to come to terms with what had occurred.
"We are grateful for the outpouring of love and support we have received, and the generosity shown by everyone during this difficult time.
"Connor was dearly loved, and his passing has left a huge hole in our lives. He was a kind, talented and deeply loyal young man who had such a bright future ahead of him."
The family statement said Connor was in no way connected to, or affiliated with, the people who are responsible for his death.
