Ruthless-Empire Ahipene-Wall, known as Baby Ru, died just before his second birthday, on 22 October, after being taken to Hutt Hospital in an unresponsive state. Photo: Supplied
Three people remain persons of interest in the death of Baby Ru, but no charges have yet been laid six months on, police say.
The toddler, now known as Nga Reo Te Huatahi Reremoana Ahipene-Wall, died of serious head injuries at Hutt Hospital in October.
No-one has yet been charged over his death - the result of blunt force trauma to his head, either inflicted by a weapon or by slamming his tiny skull on a hard floor or table, according to police.
Police previously said three people of interest were at the house at the time of the toddler's injuries, but there was not enough evidence to arrest them.
They had been revealed as the child's mother (Storm Wall), another woman called Rosie Morunga and her partner Dylan Ross.
The toddler's great aunt, Sarah Jane Reremoana, who cared for him as a baby, told RNZ last month the lack of progress was frustrating for the whānau.
The family's grief had been made worse by being abused and attacked online, she said.
Born premature, he faced many challenged, Reremoana said.
"No matter what medical obstacles he had, Nga Reo was a good baby, [he] always had a smile, never wanted much, loved big hugs and kisses and he is missed so much."
Ruthless-Empire Ahipene-Wall, known as Baby Ru, died just before his second birthday, on 22 October, after being taken to Hutt Hospital in an unresponsive state. Photo: Supplied
A dedicated team was reviewing a significant amount of material and following active lines of enquiry, police said in a statement.
"Police are determined to get justice for Baby Ru and provide closure for his whānau and the wider community."
Police urged anyone with information that could help the investigation to come forward.
How it got there:
- 22 October 2023: Ruthless-Empire Souljah Reign Rhind Shephard Wall dies after arriving at Hutt Hospital with severe head injuries. The car that took him to hospital then returns to the house in Poole St, Taitā where he suffered those injuries. Before police can secure the scene, this vehicle makes three trips to and from the property, carrying "items of interest" to be dumped or destroyed.
- 26 October: Police release Ru's name and announce the investigation has been upgraded to a homicide inquiry involving "three persons of interest".
- 31 October: Oranga Tamariki says Baby Ru was not in their care or custody - but confirms it had received at least one "report of concern" about him.
- 1 November: Oranga Tamariki announces plans to carry out a review into every interaction with and decision about Baby Ru and his whānau.
- 2 November: Police make another appeal for public information.
- 8 November: Rosie Morunga appears in Hutt Valley District Court on unrelated charges.
- 10 November: Detective Inspector Nick Pritchard appeals to the public for sightings and CCTV footage of a silver Nissan Centra Sedan between 22 and 24 October. Ru's family apply to register his birth under the name Nga Reo Te Huatahi Reremoana Ahipene-Wall.
- 11 November: Storm Wall makes a new statement to team of detectives who travel from Wellington to Taupō.
- 14 November: Police announce they are looking for a security camera hard-drive used to record CCTV footage from the property.
- 22 November: Nick Pritchard says police are waiting on toxicology results and forensic analysis on several items from house.
- 4 December: Police reveal they are seeking a duvet cover, strap, hard-drive and power back up unit, which were deliberately removed from the scene.
- 2 February 2024: Police issue a fresh appeal for information about the death of Baby Ru.
- 7 February: Nick Pritchard tells RNZ police believe they know who got rid of vital evidence, but there is not enough information to charge them.
- 22 March: In an RNZ story, the family call for a police update after nearly three months of no communication.
- 22 March: Police contact the family following the publicity
